Drought intensifies in eastern Carolina impacting farmers, DEQ encourages water conservation

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - As drought conditions continue to worsen across the state, and much of ENC is in moderate to severe drought, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging residents to conserve water.

The intensifying drought comes after two weeks of no to minimal rain in eastern and central North Carolina.

For counties in extreme drought, DEQ says water systems are advised to follow their water shortage response plans and water use reduction measures. In those areas, systems must report weekly water use and conservation status online at the Water Use Reporting website, according to DEQ.

All of eastern NC is under at least a moderate drought, with much of the region under severe drought conditions, according to the latest drought monitor. Parts of Greene, Bertie, Wayne and Hertford Counties are seeing extreme drought.

Residents should check with their water supply system to get information on any water use restrictions. DEQ also has water conservation advice on its website.

The dry weather is taking a toll on farmers during harvest season, and farmers may have to leave some crops in the field.

For Coker Feed Mill in Wayne County, the drought could hurt the 2027 spring planting season.

“As far as establishing that water table for those crops going to the spring and summer, not having that foundation is critically important,” said Laurence Butler, director of operations for Coker Feed Mill. “And I can honestly say five or six years ago it seemed like I was complaining because every week, every weekend throughout the winter, it was cold and raining and I couldn’t stand it. And here we are; I would give more than a prayer, as I think many of our farmers would too, to get some of that fall and winter precipitation back.”

The fall harvest season is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks, and the rain expected tomorrow will help. However, farmers need more rain as they approach 2027 and the spring planting season.