Parts of the Triangle will be under stepped-up water restrictions beginning Monday.
Durham is enacting Stage 2 restrictions, meaning most landscape watering and vehicle washing is not allowed, and restaurants should serve water only on request, the city says.
Dry conditions and falling water levels prompted the conservation measures, with the city on June 8 skipping Stage 1 to move directly to its Stage 2 response.
“Although the shift happened quickly, we know Durham residents consistently rise to the occasion when it comes to protecting our shared resources,” water management director Don Greeley said. “We’re confident our community will continue working together to reduce water use, and we appreciate everyone’s partnership as we monitor reservoir levels closely.”
The city, which draws water from Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir, says its reservoir storage is at 59%.
“Our water supplies are based on rain. When it doesn’t rain, there’s trouble,” Durham officials said.
North Carolina remains in a statewide drought, and the past week has seen temperatures near or breaking record highs. Raleigh’s high of 103 degrees on Friday surpassed a 1914 record of 98, the National Weather Service said.
The restrictions starting Monday for Durham water customers include:
No spray irrigation, although hand watering is still allowed
No vehicle washing, which is limited to what the city calls “compliant facilities”
No washing hard surfaces
No added water for decorative fountains, ponds or pools unless it is recycled
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The water restrictions apply to parts of Chatham County, including Carolina Meadows and Governors Village and down along the Wake and Harnett county lines, that use Durham water. The limits will be in effect until reservoir levels return to full, the city says.
Charlotte and Raleigh have been under restrictions since mid-April.
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