Residents and businesses in Durham, NC, have been told that they must cut water use by another 20% after months of cut-backs that resulted in a decrease of 31% or face the possibility of water rationing and loss of  production for businesses as the city struggles with the worst water shortage in its history. Durham, part of the rapidly growing Triangle area, is reaching its growth limit.

Durham, with just 59 [50 as of today] days left in its main water supply, could be on the front lines of this worst-case scenario.

Up to now, the prospect has been too far-fetched to entertain in detail, which is why there are few specifics in Durham ordinances about what would happen if the drought doesn't let up. Raleigh also lacks a set plan for an end-times-type drought.

Durham would ban industrial water use -- a potentially devastating economic blow. It would hit water-driven businesses such as car washes and laundries directly but also could force businesses to cut shifts or even lay off workers.

Residential water would be rationed, but it's unknown how that would be implemented.

http://www.newsobserver.com/...

Two years ago I wrote and helped pass a resolution for the North Carolina Democratic Party that supported repealing section 505 of the IIRIRA Act of 1996 and urged the passage of the DREAM Act. Short for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, the DREAM bill would give young undocumented immigrants legal status if they have graduated from high school and lived in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Students in good standing could obtain a temporary permit if they complete at least two years in college or the military. After six years, those who meet the conditions could obtain legal permanent resident status.  Another provision of the DREAM Act at that time gave undocumented immigrants in-state tuition status.  

I fully supported the DREAM Act then. Now, I am conflicted and I’m no longer sure that it will be such a great opportunity for undocumented immigrant youth if it passes. It may be better for them to live in the shadows a few years longer – at least they would be alive when real immigration reform is possible again.