This is Walt Mack.

Is it possible we could experience a severe drought this Summer? There is a high probability based upon long range weather forecasts, and we should be prepared. While our water reservoirs here in Orange County are at their highest peaks, a long, hot Summer with appreciable lack of rain would quickly draw down that supply.

Some forecasters are predicting a summer of withering heat and the driest on record. Recall the year 2001 when a persistent drought compelled OWASA to impose restrictions on watering lawns and washing cars. It could get much worse this time, as the effects of global warming are becoming more evident with extreme weather cycles.

Consider the plight of California, experiencing its worst drought in memory. California’s lakes, streams and rivers are drying up and threatening to make California one huge desert.

The fact that our neighboring counties are wrangling over water rights to Jordan Lake underscores just how important fresh water is to Orange, Durham and Wake Counties.

OWASAwaterSupplySign (640x480)While we in Chapel Hill and Carrboro are blessed with having ample supplies of potable water, it doesn’t mean it will last forever. OWASA keeps us ever mindful of that fact by posting a daily report of water reserves in front of its Carrboro water treatment plant.

OWASA draws its water from three primary sources. They include: The Cane Creek Reservoir, University Lake, and Quarry Reservoir, with a total capacity of over 650 million gallons. That sounds like we have plenty of water, but it’s not, based upon the fact that our consumption of water is more than 8 million gallons daily.

Just in case we need it, OWASA also has an allocation of 5 percent of Jordan Lake’s estimated water supply which amounts to about 5-6 million gallons per day. Jordan Lake is becoming increasingly more important as a source of water and is key to meeting Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s water consumption needs for today and into the foreseeable future. It’s not too early to get in the habit of practicing water conservation now. Forget oil — water is our most precious resource, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. As the OWASA sign advises: “Use Water Wisely.”