Raleigh, NC – North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has expanded its Severe Drought category (D2 classification) for parts of 31 counties as of Nov. 7. Impacted counties range from Cherokee County in the west to Moore County in the east. Severe Drought is the second category of the four drought classifications based on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Along with Chatham County, portions of an additional 39 counties in western North Carolina are considered to be in Moderate Drought category (D1 classification).
Water level in the Haw River by 15-501 overpass is running extremely low.
On the latest US Drought Monitor map, more than 50% of the state is classified in Moderate (D1) or Severe Drought (D2), the greatest coverage since July 5, 2022. This is the third consecutive fall with Severe Drought in North Carolina, said Corey Davis, assistant state climatologist with the NC State Climate Office. Preliminary data from the National Centers for Environmental Information show a statewide average precipitation of 1.15 inches in October, the 10th-driest October since 1895. It was also the state’s driest October since 2000, which had a record low 0.08 inches of rain on average across the state.
Until further notice, DMAC strongly urges the implementation of drought response actions – in addition to previous advisories – for all water users located in or dependent on water resources from the areas of the state in Severe Drought conditions.
“We are definitely seeing more water systems going to voluntary conservation,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “Duke Energy has moved the Catawba-Wateree operations to Drought Level 1 and a salt wedge has moved inland on the Roanoke to a point above Domtar’s intake location. There is little evidence of significant rain happening in the coming week, either.”
The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a burn ban for several western North Carolina counties due to increased fire risk from dry conditions. Water usage restrictions are determined on the water system level.
North Carolina Drought Advisory
The North Carolina Drought Advisory issued by the Drought Management Advisory Council has been updated to reflect drought conditions on November 7, 2023 indicated on the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina.
Until further notice, the NC DMAC strongly urges the implementation of the following drought response actions – in addition to previous advisories – for all water users located in or dependent on water resources from the areas of the state experiencing the following drought conditions:
D2 – Severe Drought
Implement Water Shortage Response Plans, if not already enacted.
Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories (www.ncdrought.org).
Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
Reexamine water delivery systems to minimize water loss and maximize water use efficiency.
Eliminate nonessential uses of water.
Evaluate the feasibility of incorporating water reuse, reclamation and/or recycling into daily operations.
Seek to reduce water usage by, at least, the same percentage as the percent differential between normal seasonal water supply availability and the actual water supply availability resulting from current drought conditions.
Increase public awareness and educational outreach programs emphasizing the need to conserve water.
D1 – Moderate Drought
Adhere to local water use restrictions.
Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories (www.ncdrought.org).
Project water needs and available water supply for a ninety day period from the issuance of this advisory.
Assess your vulnerability to the drought conditions and adjust water usage to prolong available supply.
Inspect water delivery system components (e.g. irrigation lines, fixtures, processing equipment, water system lines, etc.), repair leaks and ensure that existing equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Minimize nonessential uses of water.
Implement available public awareness and educational outreach programs emphasizing the need to conserve water.
D0 – Abnormally Dry
Review and be prepared to implement your Water Shortage Response Plans at the appropriate time.
Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories (www.ncdrought.org).
County Drought Classification
If the US Drought Monitor of NC shows more than one drought designation in a county, the drought intensity classification for each county published by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council is the highest drought designation that applies to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the land area of a county.
DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursday. The next update will be on Nov. 16.
To learn more, visit https://www.ncdrought.org/education.