Water worries: Don’t waffle council. Right decision is strict regulation.

OK, so no one will be thrilled if the Goldsboro City Council decides at its next meeting that the drought situation requires drastic measures.

Especially if they have planted trees or are trying to nurse a lawn back to health.

But in light of what is happening across the state, there could be no responsible decision by the council and the mayor other than to impose strict water use bans.

And no, there should not be any compensation for lost trees, brown lawns or discolored cars.

That is the price that you pay for living in a community in this part of the South that has summers when it doesn’t get rainfall. Dealing with drought is just one of the drawbacks — which are offset by so many other positives. If anyone is to blame, it is Mother Nature. There is nothing that could have been done to prevent the water worries. Mayor Al King and members of the council have not yet figured out how to make it rain.

There shouldn’t be any kicking from the community at the next meeting of the City Council. After all, this is an emergency.

And if city leaders do anything but put down the hammer on water use, they are not doing their job, which is to protect the community and its citizenry.

Goldsboro does not want to face a water emergency. Rationing or other more stringent means would be a horrible inconvenience for not only local residents, but businesses around the area as well.

And we have a responsibility, too, to the communities downstream. Our conservation is our contribution to protecting the resources we share.

And the same should be true for our neighbors upriver as well. Their conservation assists our ability to maintain a water supply.

Now is the time to take action so that there are not more serious consequences from this drought down the road.

And in the meantime, residents can still help at home.

Turn off running water. Restrict laundry and showers when possible and follow the rules when it comes to water use. No cheating.

That way, when it finally does rain, there will be a chance to recover, regroup and reload — and this time next spring — the chance to enjoy a garden.

Published in Editorials on October 16, 2007 10:57 AM