Earlier this summer several of us here on Activerain talked about the extreme weather conditions in the Triangle area. For more details click here. We had seven record breaking temperatures in Raleigh in August alone. It seems the effect of all of the extra heat has taken a toll on the water levels in the Triangle. The result of all of the extra heat is a statewide drought. First, there were water restrictions, and now there is a complete ban on exterior watering indefinitely. 
Why did Raleigh have to inforce a water ban? Falls Lake is nearly 7 1/2 feet below its normal level this time of year and, if the weather continues with no rain, there is only a 90-120 days of drinking water available for local residents. The community needs to understand the severity of this drought.
I was showing property up in North Raleigh close to HWY 98 and Falls Lake and I was astounded at what I saw last weekend. The water has disappeared!! Many areas that were flush with water have only bare tree stubbs sticking out of the lake. No boats were to be found on my trip up to N. Raleigh. Click here for a photo taken and posted on flickr which shows the Current Falls Lake drought conditions.
There are several other large municipalities that have moved to stage 1.5 water restrictions inlcuding Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and other large cities at the urging of Governor Easley.
Update: Apex and Cary are also on permanent water restricitions. Good news: It started raining on 10/25 so hopefully this will help alleviate the immediate water crisis. I'll keep you posted.
Donna - I heard on NPR(National Public Radio) that Atlanta and the surrounding GA areas are also in dire straights. We need a few little Indians that can speak to the rain gods for us!!
Shawna - We all have to think of ways to conserve. If we are having problems like this now what will happen when our children grow up and global warming continues to wreak havoc on the environment?
The latest on the streets is that Cary will follow. I'd better go outside and cut my sprinklers off now!! I sure don't want to get fined!
Whether the current drought is here to stay, or just a current problem; as long as populations continue to grow, droughts will continue to be a serious problem. The most effective action that we can take is to install artificial grass. I installed fake grass in my front yard almost a year ago. It looks great, and requires no maintenance, and no water. You won't be disappointed. Fire your gardener, and install artificial grass!