Polk County in second week of moderate drought 

TRYON—Despite some slight rain this week, Polk County is under a moderate drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. 

Because of the lack of rainfall, particularly in September when the area received just 0.81 inches of rain for the month, the Town of Tryon has issued a D1 classification notice. The notice means that the town is asking all water customers to voluntarily conserve water. 

As of last week, Tryon had received 46.06 inches of rain total for the year. The months of March, May and September had lower than normal rainfall following the year of 2018 being one of the wettest in recent years. 

Tryon water customers are being asked while under the voluntary restrictions to limit car washing; limit lawn and garden watering to only what is necessary for plants to survive; avoid washing outside areas, such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots and service bays; avoid leaving faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes; limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and ensure all cycles are fully loaded; take showers instead of baths and limit showers to no more than 4 minutes; limit flushing toilets when possible; use disposable and biodegradable dishes when possible; use flow-restrictive and water-saving devices; limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners and all residents, businesses and institutions should delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended. 

Polk County was one of 48 counties in North Carolina listed in a moderate drought as of Oct. 1. Polk was listed as abnormally dry on Sept. 17 and Sept. 10 after not being listed in any type of drought since January 2018. Polk has been in a moderate drought since Sept. 24, according to the drought management advisory council. 

After a cool down in temperature this week, the area has seen slight rain, but low chances the rest of this week until Saturday, which has a 40 percent chance of evening showers. Next week also has between 20-40 percent chances of rain showers most days. 

Anyone with questions regarding Tryon’s voluntary conservation effort can contact the Town of Tryon at 828-859-6655. 

To keep up with the state’s drought map, visit ncdrought.org.