We have an abundance of it," Olson said.
Exceptional Drought in Southeastern NC
Meanwhile, southeastern North Carolina is facing unprecedented conditions, with parts of Brunswick and southern Columbus counties entering a level four exceptional drought for the first time this century.
"For the first time this century, portions of Brunswick and Southern Columbus County are in level four drought," said Gannon Medwick, WECT's chief meteorologist.
Medwick emphasized the severity of the current meteorological classification for the region.
"That's 'exceptional drought'. That's the highest level there is," Medwick said.
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority reported a 10% spike in water demand compared to last year, driven primarily by outdoor irrigation, prompting a call for voluntary conservation to protect medical and fire services.
"The most effective way that anyone can reduce their impact on overall water usage is with scheduling irrigation," said CFPUA spokesperson Cammie Bellamy.
Bellamy noted that small operational adjustments by individual utility customers can alter systemic water pressures.
"Even just a little bit of help, especially with your outdoor water use, irrigation can have really big impacts across our system," Bellamy said.
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While CFPUA maintains voluntary guidelines, neighboring Brunswick County Public Utilities enforced a stage two mandatory irrigation schedule last week, warning that a total lawn watering ban will follow if regional drought conditions continue to worsen.
