On Friday, we asked our readers to offer some suggestions about what they would do about the drought situation that we are in… And—you responded…

And, as promised—we’re presenting them here…

Reader Peter Raabe had a very detailed analysis of what he thought needed to occur:

The Triangle’s and all of the Southeast’s water woes are well known now. But the question is what to do about the problem. We need more rain, but until that happens our water needs to be treated like gold not a waste product. We need to make sure there is enough water for our communities to thrive.

I have lived in the south most of my life, but moved into the Triangle this summer to set up an office in Durham for American Rivers (www.AmericanRivers.org). And millions of other people are expected to flock to this part of the country in the coming years. Where’s the water for all of us- newbies and mainstays- going to come from? We will not be able to build our way out of this. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to this problem. It will take a multi-faceted plan that values fresh water for the resource it is.

Cities around the nation have learned that water efficiency is a cheap, dependable way to make sure they have enough water for years to come. According to the American Water Works Association, making our homes water smart with efficient fixtures and appliances can decrease water use by 35 percent. We all look for the EnergyStar logo when we want to save money on energy; there is also the WaterSense program for water savings. It’s the same concept as EnergyStar but for water, and products are already available on retailers’ shelves. Add in outdoor water use efficiency and the savings can be enormous since that accounts for more than 50% of household water use. Our thinking needs to change, we need to use beautiful drought-resistant plants, and install efficient watering systems. And do simple things like making sure we are watering our plants, not our sidewalks. The same indoor and outdoor water gains can also be made in the commercial buildings and corporate campuses throughout the RTP.

There are lots of intelligent, hard working folks that are working on the solutions to this problem. And we look forward to being part of the team of communities, watershed groups, utilities, businesses, and government officials that will develop a smart water strategy that encourages economic growth and community health.

 

Reader ATW offers this suggestion:

There should be some kind of daily reminder about the drought on your blog. Maybe you could list the number of days without rain, or show how much water is still needed to end the drought. That might help remind people that the drought is still here even in the cool weather.

Suggestion taken. But, rather than trying to make this a daily drought blog—I’ll try adding the information to the sidebar. I’ve linked with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Drought Monitor website.

To check on current drought conditions, click on the little orange icon next to the title. That’ll take you directly to the drought page—which is updated weekly.

Another reader—who posted as Anonymous chided me for what I believe have been my numerous drought posts:

You’ve got a lot to say about the drought, but like so many media people, you don’t have anything positive to offer to help people. You would rather criticize others actions while doing nothing yourself.

 

OK. I’ll step up and give it a try. Starting this week, the sidebar will also contain a drought conservation tid-bit. I’ll try and update it often—but I can’t promise that it’ll be daily, weekly or on a specific schedule.

(And–whoever you are–if you’d like to offer a tip or two—I’d be glad to post those in the sidebar too! And no—you still won’t have to use your name!)

..And finally, this whimsical suggestion from reader EssTee who obviously doesn’t live in the South…

Here’s an idea: move North Carolina to the NorthEast. We’ve had enough rain in the past 2 months to drown a stable of Clydesdales.

Been there—done that (Northeast thing.) And no thanks. I’m very happy here in the Southeast these days.
But, please keep reading—’cause I need the job!

—Steve