ROCK HILL, S.C. — Some area counties are preparing for drought conditions as meteorologists continue to track the intense heat wave.
York County is urging people to cut back on their water usage.
Across South Carolina, some yards are showing signs of heat damage and some farmers are holding off on planting some crops.
Rock Hill city leaders approved a voluntary conservation request on Monday, hoping to make a difference before conditions get worse.
John Finch and his wife said they have invested a lot of time, money and water into their plants this month.
"It dries your yard, you've got to keep it moist, keep it watered," Finch said.
South Carolina officials said 28 counties are in the early stages of drought, so the city of Rock Hill voted to ask everyone to cut back on water usage.
"It's a very hard message because people love their landscaping," said Catawba River Keeper volunteer Ellen Goff.
Goff attended a meeting last week where environmentalists warned of the impending drought. It reminded her of 2007 when the state ordered mandatory water restrictions.
"If we choose to ignore the early warning signs, we are going to be in some serious trouble," she said.
It's the same case across the Carolinas, where the area is seeing lower-than-normal rainfall totals for the next few months," Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist Steve Udelson said.
"More than likely we will continue to dig a deeper hole," he said.
The Finches are willing to do their part and reel in their usage, but worry about protecting their investment.
The city wants to collectively conserve 3 to 5 percent of total water usage.
Voluntary conservation methods can include:
- Using low-volume, drip irrigation and handheld watering to reduce the use of sprinklers, irrigation systems or other remote landscape watering devices.
- Limit watering to no more than two days per week.
- Use best management practices regarding efficient irrigation. Visit www.irrigation.org for tips and guidelines.
- Reduce washing down of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts and other hard surfaced areas.
- Reduce washing down buildings for purposes other than immediate fire protection.
- Reduce flushing of gutters.
- Reduce residential washing of vehicles. Use car washes that use recycled water instead of washing vehicles at home.
The Drought Response Committee and City staff will continue to monitor water levels and system use to determine if further action is necessary.
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