The water restrictions taking effect Monday in Raleigh are expected to last more than a month, according to a city spokesperson.
City of Raleigh environmental coordinator Ed Buchan estimated that the Stage 1 water-use restrictions will last until June.
Stage 1 water restrictions are meant to protect the water supply while still giving residents options to care for their homes and landscaping.
Here’s what to know for Monday:
Automatic and non-automatic spray irrigation is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m. Homes with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays. Homes with even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays. Irrigation of landscapes is recommended at a maximum of one-half inch per week. Water customers must abide by required water use reductions and efficiency measures; penalties apply for noncompliance.
For full Stage 1 water-use restrictions, visit RaleighNC.gov and search “drought.”
Buchan said earlier this week that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution and that the city is still a long way off from reaching stage 2 of water restrictions.
“In the middle of a severe drought for most of North Carolina at this point, and it’s been affecting the inflows of Falls Lake,” Buchan said.
Falls Lake is a major water source in Wake County.
Buchan said the months of May and June are expected to have “above-average” rainfall.
Buchan said Falls Lake has 84% of its water-supply pool remaining as of Wednesday. He said 58% of Falls Lake’s water is for drinking water and the other 42% is for downstream releases.
Buchan said Falls Lake is “always” full each year on April 1.