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Drought

This spring, North Carolina nearly crawled out of the worst drought in state history. Now meteorologists tell us most of the state is right back in the midst of its worst drought ever. Out of the state’s 100 counties, 97 are in some level of drought. 56 counties are in extreme, severe, or exceptional drought. Since population growth will place new pressures on our water resources, legislators now have an opportunity to make important changes in policy, such as requiring permits for all large users of groundwater. More transparency may be needed to account for water consumption by large commercial users.

Looking forward, North Carolina could make changes to its 600+ water systems to ensure healthy rivers, lakes, and watersheds to support fish and other aquatic wildlife as well as recreation. NC Sierra Club supports an overhaul of water management policies in a state where leaks can account for as much as 30% water loss in certain communities, where big users are not held accountable to the public, and where many water sources are now the site of contentious arguments over ‘water rights.’

On March 11, 2008, Governor Mike Easley announced a three-part legislative proposal to deal with the drought.  The proposal called for legislation to modernize North Carolina’s public water systems, mandate water conservation and efficiency and upgrade the response to water emergencies. NC Sierra Club supports this initiative now moving through the General Assembly.

The majority of his legislative proposals called for improvements in the state’s ability to respond to water emergencies. Current legislation (H2499/S1879) will enforce minimum conservation standards for all state water systems to prevent future droughts, will provide funds for leak protection, and will prohibit water pricing that encourages residential water waste. The bill was referred to House Environment Committee on 05.26.08.

It is imperative that the legislature act to combat the drought by passing this legislation; only effective and comprehensive policy can we begin to change the way North Carolina handles its water systems.

Many water sources are quickly becoming hot commodities. That is clear. What isn’t so apparent is just how to divvy it all up. How legislators respond to growing pressures on state water supplies. North Carolina remains one of the fastest growing states in the country; every year, nearly 200,000 people move to our state. Demand on water supplies will come from agriculture, industry and businesses, as well as new residents. NC Sierra Club believes any plan must feature conservancy and sustainability.

Links

Drought map

Gov Easley's Press Release on the status of NC drought

Legislative Tracker, Water Management policies