Raleigh – Drought levels remain virtually unchanged this week in Western North Carolina, where nine mountain counties are parched by the most serious stage of drought.

All 100 N.C. counties are in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor's update today. Thirteen are in "exceptional" drought, the most serious level.

The N.C. Conservation Council says the exceptional drought affects 70 cities, towns and water systems, but 21 of them have no water restrictions in place – including Asheville, Weaverville, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde and many other WNC communities.

Another 22 cities in exceptional drought have only voluntary measures, the environmental group said, including Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Biltmore Forest, Montreat and Old Fort.

A bill considered by an N.C. House committee today would require communities in exceptional drought to reduce their water use by 20 percent.

Jordan Schrader reports from Raleigh on North Carolina government. Call Jordan at 919-821-4749, e-mail JSchrade@CITIZEN-TIMES.com or visit http://www.CITIZEN-TIMES.com/CapitalLetters.