Droughts Force State Legislature to Consider New Rules
By Loreal Andrews

Durham's Lake Michie did not look like much of a lake last November.

Two severe droughts in the last four years have prompted state officials to search for a way to counteract the harsh impact of the dry weather.

Although water levels have risen since last year, Durham Office of Water Management personnel say we're still not in the clear.

The average water level for Lake Michie is about 342 feet. Last year's drought brought that level down to 20 feet below normal. Current levels are average, but could decline if the unseasonable weather pattern continues.

Public hearings on the proposed rules for future droughts begin this week in Raleigh. People can attend the forums to comment on the rules until March 6.

The rules will limit water use by government, businesses and residents when future droughts occur.

Mandatory water-use restrictions are no longer in effect in Durham, but city officials still encourage residents to make an effort to conserve. A simple way to save up to a thousand gallons of water a month is to limit your showers to five minutes.