County Officials Discuss Further Water Restrictions

County commissioners and representatives from the three main water suppliers for Orange County discussed drought-related issues Thursday night at the commissioners' work session at the Southern Human Services Center.

Orange County Engineer Paul Thames said the rains over the past week have helped to alleviate some of the pressing drought problems, but he said the precipitation might make some people breathe easier even though serious conditions remain.

"Unless we get some kind of tropical system ... the drought is just going to persist and get worse," Thames said.

Some conservation methods discussed included the use of water-free towelettes to wash hands, supplying coolers of bottled water to discourage use of water fountains and urging hotels to abstain from washing sheets for guests who stay multiple nights.

But Thames warned against public backlash if the Orange-Alamance system must resort to water rationing, especially if winter rains set in early next year.

Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson said that as of last Thursday, 127 days of water were left in the community's supply.

Peterson said the town has started to talk about Stage 7 restrictions, which would involve water rationing, although the town is still in Stage 5. "We want to be able to be prepared," he said. "The idea of creating Stage 7 seemed to be reasonable."

Ultimately, the implementation of water restrictions is determined by the specific water supplier for each town in Orange County.

He said the town is providing low-flow shower heads to residents, which will save both water and money.

Orange County Commissioner Barry Jacobs said the idea should be expanded throughout the county. "We'd be glad to see what we can do to facilitate that," Jacobs said.

Addressing long-term drought problems, Orange County Commissioner Margaret Brown said something must be done to fight a continuing decline in usable water. "We tip the scales here in sustainability at some point," Brown said.

She suggested construction of wells and businesses utilizing water runoff as possible ways to conserve water.

Brown also expressed concern that once the drought lifts, people might quickly forget of the county's dire straits.

"We could have another 100-year drought in two years," she said.

Orange Water and Sewer Authority Executive Director Ed Kerwin said that since Stage 2 has been in effect for its customers, officials have witnessed a decline in use. But Kerwin said the water level at Cane Creek, one of the authority's main resources, is still dropping.

"Cane Creek is continuing its steady decline," he said. "Every day that goes by it sets a record low."

He said Stage 3 would involve water rationing and banning outdoor water use and would likely have tiers for varying levels within the stage.

Kerwin said there is much to be learned in these times.

"It is a matter of teaching a new ethic."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.