Water wise

Durham among counties to take the lead with conservation as drought tightens grip on N.C.

Let us know what you’re doing! Share your county’s water-saving measures by e-mailing communications@ncacc.org. County practices will be highlighted in CountyLines and posted online at www.ncacc.org/drought.html.

Commissioner Becky Heron (left) was among those to take advantage of Durham County’s offer for free water saving devices. She received tips on proper installation from Director of General Services Mike Turner (right). (Photo courtesy Durham County)

Durham County officials took aim at reducing water consumption in county facilities and in the homes of the more than 1,800 county employees in December. The General Services Department distributed more than 1,000 packages containing a kitchen sink aerator, two bathroom faucet aerators and two shower heads, devices that have the potential to reduce water consumption by approximately 50 percent.

“This is the right thing to do,” said Durham County Manager Mike Ruffin. “We’re asking our employees to help the county conserve water in our facilities. Why shouldn’t we help them conserve water in their homes?”

Other steps the county has executed include:

• Installing more than 300 faucet aerators in 16 county buildings;
• Turning off the field irrigation system located at the County Stadium;
• Requesting a temporary postponement of the required three-year fire pump test at the Detention Center;
• Contacting county vendors and maintenance providers to request compliance of Durham’s water conservation efforts;
• Drafting a County Water Conservation Policy;
• Sending staff to a “Strategic Water Technology Conference” hosted by North Carolina State University; and
• Tracking monthly water consumption in all county buildings.

In addition, the Durham County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and City of Durham Storm Water Services scheduled three sustainable landscape workshops in February. The presentations cover soil testing, irrigation and mulching techniques, plant selection, and other ways to help citizens keep their lawns alive during the drought.

“Participants will learn how to become better gardeners and environmentally accountable,” said Michelle Wallace of the NCCES Durham County Center.

The Jan. 1 N.C. Drought Advisory classified 67 counties as being under “exceptional” drought conditions – the most severe category in the five-level system. Another 20 counties were under an “extreme” drought, while the remaining 13 were under a severe drought.