In Raleigh, the reservoir level is 44 percent of normal, with enough water to last only 112 days.

Despite the recent rains, reservoir levels on the day of the meeting were 30 percent below normal.

So the reservoir level rose, two metres in an hour, then three.

With reservoir levels dropping fast throughout the region, government officials are stepping up the pressure to save water.

The site of the village has been revealed when the reservoir levels fell dramatically in 1976, 1989, 1996 and 2003.

"So the reservoir levels showed that the consumption had decreased," she said.

As a result, reservoir levels would be significantly higher in times of rain failure.

Rather, the city plans to drop the reservoir level by up to 16 feet, relieving pressure on the structure.

Even reservoir levels improved and watering restrictions were put on hold.

The reservoir levels are now at 98.1 percent, and that number is likely to go up before it goes down.