Stage 1 Water Restrictions In Place as Drought Continues

Central North Carolina is experiencing a severe drought, and that includes the watersheds that feed Falls Lake and Swift Creek. Because of the ongoing dry conditions, Raleigh Water is activating Stage 1 water-use restrictions effective April 20.

While many people may notice dry creeks and low spots along the lake’s edges, the good news is that Raleigh’s drinking water supply remains strong. Falls Lake currently has 84 percent of its water supply pool remaining. That number may go up and down depending on rainfall, time of year, and natural lake cycles. It’s also normal to see more shoreline during long dry periods, even when drinking water supplies remain healthy.

Raleigh also has two secondary water supplies at Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler, which are both near full capacity. 

Stage 1 Water Restrictions: What You Need to Know

To help conserve water during the current drought, Raleigh Water is implementing Stage 1 restrictions. These measures protect our water supply while allowing you to maintain your home and yard. Small changes by everyone help Raleigh preserve water for drinking, healthcare, and emergency needs.

Please note: If your property uses an irrigation well, the current irrigation restrictions do not apply. Wells are considered a non‑public water supply system, which is specifically exempt from these rules.

What's the difference between a hand-held hose and hose-end sprinkler?

A hose-end sprinkler is a device that you attach a hose to, set it on the ground, and walk away. These are regulated by Stage 1 restrictions. The hand-held hose can be used any time, but a person must be holding it to qualify. By the way, you can water your flowers and vegetables with a hand-held hose any day during Stage 1 restrictions. 

Why are water restrictions starting now?

Raleigh uses a Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) to decide when restrictions should begin. The plan looks at more than a century of lake and weather data to help predict how our water supply may change during the year.

Because 5.6 billion gallons of extra storage was added to Raleigh’s available supply in Falls Lake in 2019, the drought triggers are exceptionally conservative. That means Raleigh acts earlier to stay prepared and ensure the long-term viability of water resources. 

How will the City enforce these rules?

This is a community effort. We will get through this together. The City of Raleigh will focus on education first, ensuring Raleigh Water customers understand the importance of the conservation measures. Residents who are caught violating the restrictions will be given a warning. After the first infraction, violators will receive civil penalties for subsequent violations. The public can call Customer Care and Billing at 919-996-3245 or email Water.Conservation@raleighnc.gov with violations. 

What about splash pads? Will the City shut theirs down?

The City's splash pads and water features recirculating water, which is why they are classified and permitted the same as pools. Water drains back into the systems, treated based on national and state standards and recirculated.

What about AI? Are there data centers in our service area?

Yes, there are data centers present in our service area, but there are no hyper-scale facilities that use and evaporate high amounts of water. The data centers in the service area mostly serve area banks.

Do the other municipalities that buy water from us have to abide these standards?

Yes, water supply contracts require that our municipal and county customers implement water conservation measures “at least as restrictive as the City’s.”  Note the restrictions apply to the Raleigh Water merger communities as well.

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