Raleigh weighs long‑term water protections after drought
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh officials say July rainfall has significantly improved drought conditions across North Carolina, but residents and city leaders are still adjusting after months of dry weather and high demand on the water supply.
Will Ivy, who moved into a Raleigh ranch home three months ago, said the drought pushed him to rethink his yard.
"I've been killing the grass," he said, explaining that he plans to replace high-maintenance turf with plants that require less water and upkeep.
"We need to conserve the water. That doesn't need to go into the yards," Ivy said.
During a Raleigh City Council work session Tuesday afternoon, water officials outlined ongoing efforts to protect the city's long-term supply.
Residential customers account for 61% of Raleigh's water usage, followed by commercial and institutional users. Less than 3% of the city's water goes to Fuquay-Varina, Johnston County and Franklin County.
Raleigh is designing upgrades to the Lake Wheeler and Lake Benson dams, a $37 million project expected to boost capacity.
"We believe that alone will give us another two-and-a-half million gallons per day," Raleigh Water Director Whit Wheeler said.
City leaders are also considering alternate-day irrigation rules, similar to those used in Cary.
"We did it actually a long time ago prior to the 2007 drought," Raleigh Water Assistant Director Ed Buchan said.
Some council members supported revisiting the policy.
"If we can save residents money by putting off some of these other sources, I'd love to do that," Council Member Jane Harrison said.
Ivy said he plans to seed his yard in the coming weeks and hopes to rely less on irrigation.
"There are a lot of natural native plants that don't require a whole lot of maintenance. And I've been mowing grass for 60 years, and I'm tired of doing that," he said.
City officials said that based on current forecasting data, water levels are expected to fully recover this winter
