University departments have made efforts to conserve water though Raleigh received adequate amounts of rain in May. The rest of the summer’s drought conditions, however, will be difficult to predict, according to assistant state climatologist Aaron Sims.

Kim Orlowski, University energy conservation coordinator, said conservation efforts at N.C. State will be permanent.

Facilities installed low-flow aerators on sinks, low-flow shower heads in residence halls across campus, and Orlowski said University Housing is working to complete making all toilets low-flow, reducing gallons-per-flush from about 3 to 1.6.

The frequency of rain, instead of only the amount of rain, is a factor that could help the area cope, especially after a strong heat wave at the beginning of June, according to Ryan Boyles, state climatologist.

“Normally, in the summer time, we can’t get that hot without having rain storms,” Boyles said. “However, it doesn’t mean we’re going to see a summer that’s as bad as last summer.”

The Raleigh/Durham area received approximately 3.12 inches of rain in May, Sims said, based on measurements taken at RDU International Airport. 

The period of record average for May is 3.48 inches, so he said in general, the results look “pretty good.”

Instead of the average of 10 days containing rain, this May saw nine days, Sims said.

The summer is the most difficult period for predicting weather patterns, and Boyles said the drought has gotten worse in western North Carolina, affecting water resources and agriculture.

“Our highest level of unpredictability is in the summer time,” he said. “It’s really hard to say what the future holds.”

Conservation is also being used in planning some construction projects on campus, according to Orlowski, to help combat drought effects this summer.

An 865-gallon rainwater collection tank will be part of the current renovations to the Atrium’s patio, she said, and the University officials hope tanks like these can help provide water for irrigation. 

Jordan and Biltmore Halls already have rainwater recovery systems in place, Orlowski said, which are used to collect rainwater from the roofs of buildings and have helped collect irrigation water for Upper Miller Field. 

The University estimated that various conservation efforts will have a big impact in saving water, she said.

“With replacements of valves and fixtures and rainwater recovery systems, they have tallied up to a savings of over 10 million gallons per year,” Orlowski said. 

Christina Boling, a sophomore in communication, said she has tried to conserve, even though she lives off campus without low-flow appliances.

“I try to minimize my laundry and my dishwashing, and just basic living water,” she said. “I’ve made more of a conscious effort lately [to conserve water].”

Living in Metcalf Hall last year, Kevin Schulze, a senior in economics, said the new faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads did not change his routine.

“I don’t think I ever wasted any, but I don’t think I tried to conserve any extra,” he said.

According to Boyles, conservation should be continuous. 

“Even in the absence of guidance, it’s always good to be cautious and to remain water efficiencies,” he said.