The new drought map shows the number of counties in the exceptional drought category fell from 64 to 39. But experts say water conservation is still needed.
RALEIGH -- The new drought map shows the number of counties in the exceptional drought category fell from 64 to 39. But even with that news and recent rainfall, the state's water problems are far from over and everyone has to conserve.
Gardener Larry Isenhour says with proper gardening, many plants can survive in a drought.
"You don't have to sacrifice the beauty to get a drought tolerant plant. Using mulch, rain barrels right now are essential, everybody's got to have a rain barrel, keeping the weeds out of the garden," explained Isenhour, who works at Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden Center.
With these simple practices, he says you can make the most out of the little water you have.
"We've finally got to come to the conclusion that water is not infinite, and we're just going to have to use it smarter and change our mindset," said Isenhour.
Water conservationists said saving water must become a way of life for all of us.
"As we move into the summer months, not only are we going to be using water ourselves, we're going to be losing water to evaporation," said Jeff Orrock, with the National Weather Service.
While recent rainfall propelled nearly 30 counties out of the exceptional drought category, Orrock said long-term planning is vital.
"Different communities looking to other communities… how can they share water, trying to build the infrastructure so that they can be interconnected," said Orrock. "A drought will come back around again."
From the garden to the city's water source, new practices need to be the focus.
"Five years from now, the things that we did five years ago will just seem foolish because we'll be used to doing it another way," hoped Isenhour.