Triangle Regional Drought Communication for Reliable Water Supplies

Triangle J Council of Governments, Durham, NC

Through this grant, TJCOG worked with local governments and water utilities across the Triangle to collaboratively develop common water supply metrics, consistent water use and water supply reporting, and best communication practices, which improved drought response in the Triangle Region. A project group of utilities, NC-DWR, and Duke Energy staff worked together to develop three regional water shortage communication framework reports as well as an online water supply portal.

Counties Impacted:

  • Chatham
  • Durham
  • Harnett
  • Johnston
  • Lee
  • Orange
  • Wake

​This project built upon several existing collaborations around the region that have been working on various aspects of water supply and water resources planning for the area, and have developed an intricate system of interconnectivity for sharing water during times of emergency. However, performing this assessment allowed all of the project participants to identify areas of improvement in each of their drought response communications and develop quicker, more robust, and more easily implementable strategies for utilizing this unique system. When the next drought strikes, the entire Triangle region will be far better prepared to respond and work together to be more resilient in the face of these challenges.

– Jen Schmitz, Principal Water Resources Planner - TJCOG

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The Water Resource Fund from Duke Energy is a multiyear, $10 million commitment to protect and restore waterways in the Carolinas and neighboring states. Learn more about the projects we’ve supported, and how you can get involved.