The year 2008 was one of the wettest on record in the state of North Carolina. Many areas of the state entered the year with “Exceptional” drought conditions, the most severe category defined. Rainfall was so bountiful in 2008, though, that only a few western counties are currently experiencing one of the first two of the five drought categories.

Raleigh was one of the areas entering 2008 with an “exceptional” drought. Rainfall in 2008 totaled 50.7 inches; 8.5 inches (20%) over the area’s average. At the end of the year, Falls Lake, Raleigh’s primary water reservoir, stood at 252.15 feet above sea level; 8 inches above the lake’s “Normal Operating Level”. That level would be higher were it not for the Army Corps of Engineers mandatory spill to facilitate flood control. (The lake actually reached 253′ at the beginning of May).

Still, the City of Raleigh continues water restrictions in a time of abundance. Residents are relegated to odd/even watering days, however hand-held hose use, including vehicle washing and pressure washing are now allowed on all days (See the attached chart for details).

In the twelve years since Hurricane Fran, Raleigh has averaged 2.7 inches of rain above its normal average. In only 4 of the 12 years has Raleigh come up short with rainfall. Here is a breakdown of recent, post-Fran rainfall by year.

The City of Raleigh is currently renovating and expanding the watershed used before Falls Lake’s construction. In February of 2010, the Dempsey Benton Water Treatment Plant will open and enable Raleigh to handle projected growth thru 2018.

Resources

• Weather Underground History for RDU
• Falls Lake Project Profile
• Observed Falls Lake Levels
• NCDrought Monitoring
• City of Raleigh Water Restriction Home