By Julia Oliver, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Feb. 7--Two of Union County's most powerful political forces squared off over water at this week's commissioners' meeting: homebuilders and western Union subdivision residents.

By Julia Oliver, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Jan. 27--The Union commissioners have voted to launch a $10 million project to bring more water to the county, adding 3 million gallons a day to Union's 19 million total. The water will come from Anson County through new pipes and pumps.

By Julia Oliver, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Dec. 6--The Union County commissioners have chosen Allan Baucom, a farmer starting his second year on the board, to lead them through 2008. Baucom, formerly the board's vice chairman, replaced Kevin Pressley as chairman at Monday's meeting.

By Julia Oliver, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Oct. 14--When Union County said last week it planned to ban all plant watering, Wesley Chapel resident Kristin Forrest shot off an e-mail to commissioner Lanny Openshaw. "I am beyond angry," she wrote.

By Julia Oliver, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Sep. 20--MONROE -- will help improve water pressure Union commissioners voted Monday to put a water tower near the intersection of Providence Road and Old Mill Road in Weddington, but one board member said the county may have another option to explore.