UNC Chapel Hill Assists in Statewide Drought Relief Efforts

An unseasonably warm autumn may have had North Carolinians appreciating some extra time outdoors, but lately it seems that the fair weather may be too much of a good thing. Below average precipitation levels are taking their toll, and all across the state, people are starting to take notice of the situation.

According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, every county in the state is under a drought advisory, ranging from "severe" to "exceptional." A total of 71 counties fall under the "exceptional" category, the council's most extreme classification. Included on this list is Orange County, home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

According to a statement released Monday, UNC has taken a number of measures to reduce its impact. The measures range from eliminating spray irrigation across campus to ordering dual-flush toilet valves for all buildings surrounding Polk Place and McCorkle Place, the school's two main quadrangles, and at the Tomkins Chilled Water Operations Center.

While these are relatively short-term measures, the University is striving to continue to reduce its impact in the future. A new backwash and filter system at the pools at Woolen Gymnasium, a new closed-loop water distillation system at Kenan Labs and Coker Hall, and the use of rainwater to flush toilets and irrigate landscaping at the school's Global Education Center are all recent steps that have been taking to alleviate the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In addition, the university is asking its students to make minimal lifestyle changes to assist in the drought relief efforts. With an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 18,000 and an additional 10,500 graduate and first-professional students, even the smallest changes will have a profound effect. In an email sent to all students, Ray DuBose, UNC's Director of Energy Services, proposed a number of suggestions.