RALEIGH (AP) -- Gov. Mike Easley wants the Legislature to give him more power to curb water use and require local systems to better prepare for droughts.
Easley unveiled proposals Tuesday that he will ask lawmakers to approve when they reconvene in May. Easley said the current drought has shown that North Carolina has a 19th century water network in the 21st century.
One change would require local water systems to follow minimum water conservation measures in the two most severe levels of drought if they don't set their own restrictions. Another would
give the governor authority to force a water system to provide water to another community in an emergency, before a threat to public health surfaces.
But Easley said the key to helping North Carolina withstand the current drought is water conservation by individuals.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Sharing Water
In no way do I suggest those with water withhold from those who have no water. However, Raleigh "leaders" provide a great example of waiting until the ninth hour to look at ways to conserve and placing restrictions on use. Cary has had restrictions in place since 2002. They planned ahead, even building a new water plant. Why should they be required to bail out their neighbors? It should come at a high price. Sorry citizens of Raleigh, but you elected these people and you continued unrestricted water use long after drought warnings were issued. Go dig your own well!