Raleigh leaders cite 2007-09 drought to push for tougher restrictions: 'It was a crisis period'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As Raleigh inches closer to stage two water restrictions, city leaders and longtime residents say the worsening drought is stirring memories of the 2007-2009 crisis and raising alarms about how quickly water levels are dropping at Falls Lake.

Many recall the last time conditions were this severe. "It was a crisis period," said Raleigh city councilman Mitchell Silver. He lived in the city during the historic 2008 drought. He said residents today may not realize how serious the situation has become. "I want to make sure sooner rather than later that we're now in a sense of urgency because behavior has not changed," said Mitchell in the city's July 7 afternoon council meeting.

Some who live in the city say the current drought feels just as bad, if not worse. "This is probably the worst drought era that I've ever been involved in or know of," said resident Gene Mathews, who has lived in his home since the 80's.

Others said they are adjusting their habits to comply with restrictions. "Whatever it is we have to do, we're just going to do it. Because we believe in abiding by the law," said Loretta Coats, who moved to Raleigh in 2007 just before the drought.

City officials say enforcement is already ramping up. As of this week, Raleigh has issued more than 150 violations to residents who failed to follow current water use rules. That number that could grow if stage two restrictions are enacted. Mathews said he doubts fines alone will change behavior. "I don't think most people are conscious about it. Of this drought. They don't care," he said.

At Tuesday's council meeting, leaders emphasized the need for conservation. Silver reminded residents how dire conditions became during the last major drought. "I was here in 2008 and if I remember correctly, Raleigh was down to 60 days of water supply. I'm not sure the public understands the sense of urgency."

Falls Lake now sits at 62 percent capacity. The city has received more than 850 reported water restriction violations so far. Coats said the community is hoping for relief. "With everything being the way it is, we just pray and ask God to fix it."

Silver said heavy rainfall can help, but only if it falls within the Falls Lake watershed.

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As the drought deepens, Raleigh leaders say changing water use habits is critical until the region sees meaningful rainfall.

SEE ALSO | Drought prompts stricter water restrictions across the Triangle