Dry spell intensifies, Wilmington may face restrictions soon

1 hour ago

Charles McKeller,

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Raleigh is under water restrictions after weeks with little to no rain. Now, the big question—could other parts of the state be next?

WWAY’s Charles McKeller spoke with the State’s Drought Chief to get some answers.

Drought Management Advisory Chairman Klaus Albertin revealed a map showing expanding areas of severe drought in red which includes parts of Raleigh… now in D-3 which means implementing water conservation policies.

“We’re getting into that critical period when it’s getting warm out, demand is getting higher.” said Albertin

Albertin added, “Water on odd days or even days depending on your address, no car washing on hard surfaces that just ends up running of into the street and evaporating. drip irrigation, that just puts a little bit at each plant, that way you’re not wasting a lot of water.”

So, what does this mean for the Cape Fear Region, and its many retention ponds like this one on Eastwood Road in Wilmington drying up.

“Definitely not getting out of the drought, I do expect more D-3 coming on the map next week, conservation should go into effect,” said Albertin.

Knowing we could be going into water restrictions, what does this mean for the height of the spring planting season?

Taylor McDaniel is the Brunswick County Consumer and Commercial Horticulture Agent and helps residents with lawn and garden issues. She’s seeing a lot of drought related issues all across the county from heat stress to not enough water. Since we are in a D-2 severe drought across the Cape Fear she says it’s best to prepare now before it gets worst.

“We’re seeing a lot of drought related issues,” said McDaniel.

“Large trees all the way down to your ground cover annuals and perennials, so choosing those drought tolerant plants those native plants as well will help you conserve water in the long run,” said McDaniel.

Albertin says if we don’t get a lot of rain or storms by next week, Wilmington could follow Raleigh and implement water restrictions.