FURMAN, S.C. -- Bob Youmans' corn crop has already fallen victim to the drought and extreme heat parching fields in this farming crossroads. But he still has hope for his soybeans and cotton -- if long-awaited rain comes quickly.
"We had prospects for one of the best cotton crops in years. It doesn't look that way now," Youmans, who with his family operates Youmans Farms, said Thursday. "Things can turn around, but time is running out. The clock is ticking real fast."Without rain in the next week or so, the cotton will end up like the corn. And the soybeans, with their drooping leaves, also need water.
South Carolinians weren't alone as farmers and residents up and down the East Coast and as far inland as Kentucky dealt with another day of dry conditions Thursday while state officials took action to ease water usage.
Maryland, facing its worst drought in 70 years, was the first state to impose statewide restrictions on water use. The emergency restrictions, announced by Gov. Parris Glendening on Wednesday and enforceable by a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, shut down car washes, fountains and most other outdoor watering.
Delaware Gov. Thomas Carper on Thursday declared a drought emergency and mandatory water restrictions for two-thirds of the state's estimated 724,000 residents who live in the northern tip. Violators will be subject to fines from $50 to $500.
New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman also declared a drought emergency Thursday that allows the state to impose mandatory water restrictions and fines up to $1,000. The state's 13 reservoirs are at nearly 9 percent below normal capacity.