Our View: ‘How dry we are' needn't be summer theme
With 47 of 100 North Carolina counties, including all of Ashe and north Watauga, now experiencing either abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions, it's time to think about our own water usage on a daily basis.
Drought is no new experience to the High Country, and it's certainly not one to revisit. Yet, given the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released July 5, drought development is likely throughout much of Western North Carolina between now and Sept. 30.
Recognizing the potential for a problem is a first step toward addressing that problem — but if remedy steps don't immediately follow, early recognition is useless.
Each of us holds the remedy to lessening the threat of drought in the mountains.
Beginning today, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council advises that residents in affected areas take drought response actions.
Given the current level of concern in Watauga County, those actions are significant, but not life-altering. Monitoring and considering nonessential uses of water, inspecting your water delivery system for signs of leaks — which includes monitoring usage for abnormal levels, preparing a plan for possible water shortages and staying informed about drought conditions and advisories at http://www.ncdrought.org will go a long way to ensuring we all have the water we need this summer.
No individual can lessen the outcome of drought conditions, but each of us taking personal responsibility will together make the difference.
Drought is no new experience to the High Country, and it's certainly not one to revisit. Yet, given the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released July 5, drought development is likely throughout much of Western North Carolina between now and Sept. 30.
Recognizing the potential for a problem is a first step toward addressing that problem — but if remedy steps don't immediately follow, early recognition is useless.
Each of us holds the remedy to lessening the threat of drought in the mountains.
Beginning today, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council advises that residents in affected areas take drought response actions.
Given the current level of concern in Watauga County, those actions are significant, but not life-altering. Monitoring and considering nonessential uses of water, inspecting your water delivery system for signs of leaks — which includes monitoring usage for abnormal levels, preparing a plan for possible water shortages and staying informed about drought conditions and advisories at http://www.ncdrought.org will go a long way to ensuring we all have the water we need this summer.
No individual can lessen the outcome of drought conditions, but each of us taking personal responsibility will together make the difference.