BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — An updated drought forecast for the Charlotte region released Thursday expanded the severe drought status to more local counties, but the dry conditions have been causing problems for Bessemer City for months.
The drought is not only depleting Bessemer City's two reservoirs, but also the city's savings account.
The reservoirs, which supply the town's drinking water, are nearly empty. Bessemer City is being forced to purchase water from Gastonia and Kings Mountain because of a lack of this summer.
So far, around $50,000 has been spent.
"We want to be conscious of how much we spend on water," city clerk Josh Ross said. "We would like to produce as much water as we can because for us it means we will have to eliminate other services."
The town is also being forced to dip into its savings account and cut spending. If things do not improve, the town may have to start cutting services or putting projects on hold.
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The city has asked citizens for voluntary water restrictions, but mandatory water restrictions will be in place next week if there isn't significant rainfall.
City leaders estimate that it will take three or four months of good rainfall for the 15 million-gallon reservoir to be refilled.
"We are really hoping for more rain so we can have this reservoir filled back up," Ross said.
Problems persist on Lake Wylie as well. Several boat ramps have been shut down and a cleanup event scheduled for Oct. 3 has been canceled. Commissioners said the water is too low and they won't have enough boats.
Charlotte is currently in a moderate drought, while Rock Hill, Lancaster and Shelby are all in a severe drought.
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