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Q. I am sure you are very tired of answering questions about the water problem. My question is, why is more new construction continuing to be built?

Yes, there is the connection process for new construction, but that is a small matter when the new construction will demand water supply once connected.

I am sure there are many good answers. However, with the lack of water for current homes and businesses, it seems logical not to build any more until the water issue can be solved!

-- Barbara Wynn

A. According to Raleigh Planning Director Mitchell Silver, the Stage 2 water restrictions that went into effect Feb. 15 will slow down new construction to some extent.

Under the new restrictions, builders cannot test city water connections, or "flush the lines," unless the water is recaptured. This is probably the "connection process" you mention in your question, in which water safety is tested before a building can receive its final certificate of occupancy.

Silver is quick to point out, however, that the drought is only a temporary situation, and that, although future planning will include the possibility of more droughts, he sees future development and adequate water supply peacefully coexisting in the Triangle.

"People are realizing that the drought is a serious problem," he said. "It's a short-term problem but we're discussing long-term solutions."

A draft of the City's Comprehensive Plan is due out by October. Silver says the plan will address water needs of the Triangle, among other things.

In both the short and long term, Silver said, the city will be looking at conservation measures, finding new sources of water and improving water use practices.

The City Council on Tuesday met with the Army Corps of Engineers' officer in charge of Falls Lake about managing releases from the the lake.

Silver said there isn't much the Planning Department can do unless a moratorium on new construction is declared by the City Council. Plans that are submitted will continue to be approved, he said.

As of now, no Stage 3 restrictions exist, although Silver said planners are discussing what such restrictions would entail.

As for declaring a moratorium on new construction, that would take an act from the City Council.

"We can't just say, 'We're not going to issue any more permits,'" said city attorney Thomas McCormick. "We would have to change the code requirements that dictate building."

In fact, City Council member Rodger Koopman raised that idea earlier this week -- but he found no takers from the other council members.

City Manager Russell Allen said a moratorium wouldn't be made, because, among other reasons, it would not stop already approved construction.

Mayor Charles Meeker asked for a report on the effect of a moratorium before the council's March 4 meeting.