Historic Drought Prompts Marion to Step Up Water Enforcement as Western North Carolina Faces Growing Water Concerns

WNC -- July 1, 2026: What began as an unusually dry fall has evolved into one of the most serious droughts Western North Carolina has experienced in years, and communities across the mountains are beginning to feel the effects.In Marion, city officials are sounding the alarm after two of the creeks that help supply the city's drinking water became unusable because water levels dropped too low. Officials describe the situation as a historic event not seen in nearly 50 years and are asking residen