DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Ongoing drought conditions in central North Carolina are affecting businesses and water management efforts, with Durham officials warning that water restrictions are likely to remain in place through the winter.
At Barnes Supply Company in Durham, Manager Jon Emery said dry weather has affected sales of fall plants such as mums and pansies.
“It’s been rough. People have not been buying as many plants just because you couldn’t water them,” Emery said.
Much of central North Carolina is experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Nov. 18 will mark one year since Durham was first classified as being in a drought.
Durham Water Resources Manager James Lim said the city is taking steps to reduce demand on its lakes and extend available supplies.
“Right now, we are trying to offset some of the demand on our lakes by purchasing water from the Town of Cary to access our Jordan Lake allocation. We are also pulling water out of Teer Quarry. All that to reduce how much we impact our lakes to extend that supply,” Lim said.
Stage 2 water restrictions have been in place since June 15. Under the restrictions, automatic and hose-end sprinklers are prohibited, and using a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, decks or buildings is banned. City officials said more than 400 violations have been reported, though no fines have been issued.
Lim said residents should expect restrictions to remain for the foreseeable future.
“I don’t expect that we’re going to come out of any form of restriction for a while. So this is going to be something we’re living with through the winter,” he said.
In Raleigh, officials said the city’s water supply remains in good shape. Falls Lake is 67% full, and the lake would have to fall to 40% capacity before water restrictions would be implemented. The drought continues to affect communities across the region as officials monitor water supplies and urge conservation efforts.
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.