North Carolina Ups Water Conservation

North Carolina is taking the right approach to water and drought management. In 2002, near the end of a lengthy drought, the state passed HB1215, which called for a two-pronged approach. The law required several state agencies to evaluate existing water conservation measures and identify voluntary programs that would foster water conservation, water reuse and water use efficiency. The law also required the Environmental Management Commission to develop and implement rules governing water conservation and water reuse during drought and water emergencies. An advisory committee representing various water users is drafting the administrative rules and seeking public comment. The Irrigation Association advocates making water conservation and drought preparation part of a comprehensive water management program. When handled correctly, this approach can lead to more efficient water management all the time, putting communities in a better position when nature takes its course. Comprehensive water management allows communities to avoid arbitrary restrictions, such as twice-per-week watering, which can lead to less efficient irrigation than alternatives that require more planning, like soil moisture sensors, scheduling via smart controllers or other modern management techniques. In North Carolina, the devil may be in the details. The IA submitted comments on the proposed statewide rules for drought, explaining the potential pitfalls of certain restrictions and sharing the IAWater Conservation Goals. The IA is optimistic the state will follow this constructive approach.