Orange County NC Website
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s� -1 <br /> Water is essential for good health and sanitation. The Orange County community is experiencing a <br /> drought that may impact upon the quality and availability of water. Water conservation is critical. This <br /> five-year drought will not be resolved with a few rainy afternoons and our well owners may experience <br /> delayed results later this fall. It is important to maintain good health and cooperative spirits during this <br /> time of stress. <br /> A work group comprised of local water suppliers, municipalities, government agencies, non-profits, <br /> and the agricultural community are collaboratively working to empower citizens to conserve water and <br /> develop strategies for the months ahead. Current work group focus areas include: <br /> ♦ Drought Drive <br /> ♦ Drought Hotline <br /> ♦ Community outreach and education <br /> Water saving devicestleak test kits offered by water suppliers <br /> ♦ Agricultural Community Outreach <br /> Drouaht Drive <br /> As water restrictions tighten and wells begin to go dry,families with limited resources will be in need <br /> of assistance. The Department of Social Services has joined forces with Orange Congregations in <br /> Mission (OCIM) and Inter-Faith Council (IFC) to establish a "Drought Drive". Citizens can donate <br /> funds, store-bought bottled water, paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils to aid needy families with <br /> water conservation. Families in need will be screened by Social Services. To make donations, <br /> please contact Kay Stagner, OCIM at 732-6194 or Kristin Lavergne, IFC at 929-6380. <br /> Wal-Mart will be kicking off the Drought Drive with a donation of water. <br /> Agency Contacts: <br /> Nancy Coston, Director, Department of Social Services 245-2800 <br /> Rev. Sharon Freeland, OCIM 732-6194 <br /> Chris Moran, Inter-Faith Council 929-6380 „ <br /> Steve Dooley, Chapel Hill/Durham Wal-Mart 4891412 <br /> Drought Hotline 644-3333 <br /> Soil and Water Conservation is staffing a hotline that will help citizens with drought-related water <br /> questions. Citizens will be connected to the appropriate agency or resource during the business day <br /> and can leave a voicemail message after hours. Residents with water bill questions need to <br /> contact their water supplier. <br /> Brent Bogue, Director, Orange Soil and Water Conservation 245-2750 <br /> Community Outreach and Education <br /> H2Oranae.org <br /> H2Orange is an educational campaign aimed at creating drought awareness, educating the general <br /> public on water conservation strategies, and encouraging consumer use of water saving devices. <br /> Phase I of the campaign involved development of a website: www.h2orange.org. The community <br /> can"access information on their water supplier, current water restrictions, conservation tips, and links <br /> to other water websites. Water conservation tip sheets are being distributed throughout the county, <br /> especially in utility bills. <br /> Website Contacts: <br />