2008 Woodie Awards
Drought persists, restrictions increase for area
Lili Johnson
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: Campus News
The heat and drought has been a well-known problem throughout Greensboro since the beginning of the summer, and it does not look to be letting up.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that the "combined global land and sea surface temperature for August was the eighth warmest on record," and was the hottest month on record for North Carolina.
Because of the heat wave, stream flows are extremely low and water levels are low in the reservoirs.
Currently North Carolina is experiencing drought in all parts of the state, with 38.72 percent of the state under the most extreme drought conditions. The National Climatic Data Center compares this to last year's conditions, with 94.8 percent of the state experiencing no drought at all.
Last week, the City of Greensboro sent out a drought warning, the second in two months, outlining water restrictions for the city.
According to the warning the city has enacted Stage IIB, Water Shortage Level II Warning mandatory water restrictions.
The remaining water supply in Greensboro stands at 140 days. This level of Greensboro''s Water Conservation and Restriction plan is meant to take effect when the city's water supply is down to 125 days, however Allan Williams, director of the city's Water Resources Department, expressed concern.
"Although we have not reached the 125 day threshold, mitigating conditions along with long-range forecasts don't show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose the next stage of restrictions at this time," said Williams, as quoted by the City of Greensboro's website.
Among the number of restrictions outlined in the warning, residents are no longer permitted to wash vehicles unless at a commercial car wash nor permitted to operate or introduce water into ornamental fountains, pools, ponds, etc. In addition, restaurants are no allowed to serve water unless a customer requests it.
Any misuse of water, as stated by the warning, is considered illegal by the city and persons will be fined.
For a complete list of restrictions for this stage, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/water. Conservation tips are available on the City's website at www.greensboro-nc.gov/conserve.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that the "combined global land and sea surface temperature for August was the eighth warmest on record," and was the hottest month on record for North Carolina.
Because of the heat wave, stream flows are extremely low and water levels are low in the reservoirs.
Currently North Carolina is experiencing drought in all parts of the state, with 38.72 percent of the state under the most extreme drought conditions. The National Climatic Data Center compares this to last year's conditions, with 94.8 percent of the state experiencing no drought at all.
Last week, the City of Greensboro sent out a drought warning, the second in two months, outlining water restrictions for the city.
According to the warning the city has enacted Stage IIB, Water Shortage Level II Warning mandatory water restrictions.
The remaining water supply in Greensboro stands at 140 days. This level of Greensboro''s Water Conservation and Restriction plan is meant to take effect when the city's water supply is down to 125 days, however Allan Williams, director of the city's Water Resources Department, expressed concern.
"Although we have not reached the 125 day threshold, mitigating conditions along with long-range forecasts don't show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose the next stage of restrictions at this time," said Williams, as quoted by the City of Greensboro's website.
Among the number of restrictions outlined in the warning, residents are no longer permitted to wash vehicles unless at a commercial car wash nor permitted to operate or introduce water into ornamental fountains, pools, ponds, etc. In addition, restaurants are no allowed to serve water unless a customer requests it.
Any misuse of water, as stated by the warning, is considered illegal by the city and persons will be fined.
For a complete list of restrictions for this stage, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/water. Conservation tips are available on the City's website at www.greensboro-nc.gov/conserve.
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