Raleigh is under Stage 1 water restrictions because of low levels at Falls Lake, which supplies the city.
Farther south, communities in southern Wake County and Harnett County rely on the Cape Fear River for water. Though those areas have not yet imposed restrictions, officials say they are watching conditions closely and urging conservation.
It's planting season at Kent Revels' tobacco field at the farm in Harnett County, where dry conditions have defined the start of the year. Revel, who has farmed for decades, said the challenges are familiar but still difficult.
"This is, this is my 54th year crop since I got out of school," he said.
Even with that experience, Revels said this season stands out.
"It's try it's just really dry," he said.
Revels said the combination of weather patterns has made farming more uncertain than usual.
"Well you know, you have, you had the comp, we've had a combination this year of hot and dry which is a little bit unusual, one that we sometimes we have we sometimes we have dry, but it's hard sometimes. However, do you have the two together? But the one of our problems is we've been dry the whole winter water tables down, water levels are down," Revels said.
Recent rainfall has provided some relief, though not enough to ease long-term concerns.
"So that was a that was a blessing to the little bit of rain we've got. But we need more," he said.
Water officials say supplies remain adequate for now. Harnett Regional Water, which sources from the Cape Fear River, reported enough capacity to avoid restrictions at this time. The Town of Holly Springs, which also relies on Harnett County's system, says conservation remains a priority despite the absence of formal limits.
"So we are always, you know, definitely promoting water conservation. We will continue to promote water conservation action and keeping an eye on the Cape Fear River, as well as the demand in Harnett County," said Kendra Parrish, Holly Springs director of utilities and infrastructure.
Holly Springs also uses a reclaimed water system to reduce strain on drinking water supplies.
Download the ABC11 News app
"And using that for irrigation reduces the demand on our potable drinking water, as well as it's more cost effective approach for irrigating lawns and cooling towers," Parrish said.
Looking ahead to the summer months, farmers and water managers alike say rainfall will be critical.
"We would need to have continuous rain to get the water table up to where it needs to be," Revels said.
Despite the uncertainty, the longtime farmer remains hopeful.
"I got faith in a higher power that he's always looked after me, I'm 72 years old and I've been able to live and provide for my family so I got hope the same things gonna happen this year," he said.
Holly Springs officials said water restrictions would be considered only if demand exceeds 85% of capacity for three or more consecutive days, a threshold that has not yet been reached.