The Triangle area is facing a severe drought, with 53% of North Carolina in a severe drought, 33.8% in extreme drought, and 3% under exceptional drought. The drought has led to water restrictions in Raleigh and Durham, with other areas likely to follow.

Water Restrictions

Raleigh’s primary source of drinking water, Falls Lake, is currently at under 70% of its normal water level. The city’s environmental coordinator, Ed Buchan, said that residents can help by making simple changes at home, such as only running full loads of dishes and laundry and taking shorter showers.

Durham will join Raleigh in enforcing water-use restrictions starting Monday. In Chatham County, TriRiver Water customers in the Chatham County North District will be under water restrictions starting on June 15.

The effects of the drought are also becoming more visible on local waterways. At Lake Johnson, paddlers said lower water levels are making it harder to get around, even as the water offers some relief from the heat.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.