A months-long drought is leading to tough conversations for city leaders around residents possibly having to cut consumption.
There is growing concern that Raleigh could implement water-use restrictions in the coming weeks.
It’s not a certainty at this point, but the near record-high temperatures we’re seeing this week are only making things worse. Highs on Wednesday through Friday will be in the lower 90s, while Saturday could reach the mid-90s.
There has been no measurable rainfall since April 5, when we saw one-tenth of an inch at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. As of Tuesday, we’ve only had two days of measurable rain over the last 29 days.
Raleigh Environmental Coordinator Ed Buchan said the city is monitoring the situation closely.
“There is potential that Raleigh will implement water use restrictions in the coming weeks, given the current water supply levels and forecasted lack of rainfall,” Buchan told WRAL News.
Water levels are also affected. At Falls Lake, the water level is roughly 249 feet. During the 2007-2008 drought, it got as low as 241 feet.
A Sunday system will bring a brief chance of showers and storms, but it won’t put a dent in the drought. Around one-tenth of an inch is expected in the Triangle.
Raleigh and Wake County leaders enforced mandatory water restrictions in 2007 and in 2008. A statewide burn ban went into effect in late March.