RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — As severe drought conditions continue across central North Carolina, Raleigh Water announced that it will be implementing Stage 1 water restrictions starting Monday due to prolonged dry weather impacting major watersheds in the region.
The drought is having a major impact on the watersheds that feed Falls Lake and Swift Creek, and city officials need to take early action to protect the resources. Despite visible signs of drought, including dry streams and expanding shorelines, Raleigh water officials say drinking water supplies across the city remain stable.
Falls Lake, Raleigh’s main water source, is currently at 84% of its water supply pool, which officials say is a healthy level for this time of year. Water levels can fluctuate depending on rainfall, seasonal demand, and natural lake cycles. Officials also stress that exposed coastlines are common during long dry periods and do not necessarily represent an immediate threat to drinking water availability.
Raleigh relies on Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler for secondary water supplies. Both reservoirs remain near full.
Here’s what you need to know on Monday.
What are the Stage 1 restrictions?
Stage 1 restrictions are intended to reduce unnecessary water use while allowing residents to continue caring for their homes and landscapes.
Outdoor watering rules
Automatic and manual sprinklers may only be used between midnight and 10 a.m.
- Odd address: Tuesday
- Even number address: Wednesday
Hose-end sprinklers can be used on the same address-based schedule from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Handheld hoses and drip irrigation systems are always available.
Leaks in pipes or service lines must be repaired within 48 hours of written notification.
A hose-end sprinkler is a device that is left on the ground, whereas a hand-held hose requires a person to actively hold it. Residents can use handheld hoses to water their flower and vegetable gardens at any time during Stage 1 restrictions.
SEE ALSO: Homeowners and gardeners adapt to drought water limitations as they begin planting and lawn care.
indoor
The restaurant provides tap water only upon request.
Hotel, Motel, B&B asks guests staying multiple nights to reuse towels and bed sheets.
Why are restrictions starting now?
The City of Raleigh uses a Water Stress Response Plan (WSRP) that relies on more than a century of weather and lake level data to determine when to initiate conservation measures. Officials say the plan’s drought trigger is intentionally conservative, especially after the city added 5.6 billion gallons of additional storage capacity to Falls Lake in 2019.
How will the city enforce these rules?
City leaders stress that enforcement starts with education. Residents who violate the restrictions will first receive a warning. Repeat violations will result in civil penalties.
Suspected violations can be reported to Raleigh Water Customer Care and Billing at 919-996-3245 or by email at Water.Conservation@raleighnc.gov.
Other frequently asked questions
City-operated splash pads and water facilities remain open. Officials note that these systems recirculate and treat water and are classified similarly to swimming pools by state and national standards.
Raleigh Water also addressed questions regarding water use by data centers, confirming that while there are some facilities within its service area, there are no very large facilities that consume or evaporate large amounts of water. Most are engaged in local banking operations.
Local governments and counties that purchase water from Raleigh, including communities served through the Raleigh Water Merger Agreement, would also be required to take conservation measures that are at least as restrictive as the city.
Get the latest information
Residents can monitor drought conditions and reservoir levels through the City’s Water Supply and Drought Status webpage. Raleigh Water will provide weekly updates as the situation evolves.
For now, city leaders say cooperation is key, and if the dry weather continues, early protections today could preclude stricter measures later.
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