RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina continues to grapple with drought conditions as high temperatures, limited rainfall and increased water demand put pressure on reservoirs, rivers and local water supplies.
ABC11 will track the latest developments and provide updates as conditions change in our viewing area.
Check back for the latest drought news, water conservation updates and weather impacts across North Carolina.
Good news for Raleigh water customers: Stage 1 water restrictions will be lifted Aug. 3 after recent rains helped boost Falls Lake to 84% capacity.
City leaders say water conditions have improved significantly, but residents are still encouraged to use water wisely.
Recent rainfall is helping ease drought conditions across the Triangle.
Falls Lake, the region's primary drinking water source, has risen more than 2 feet in the past week, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Water-supply storage has increased from 66% full to 84% full. This is highest level since mid-April, before Raleigh Stage 1 water restrictions were implemented.
Wake County remains under severe drought conditions, while Durham and Orange counties remain in extreme drought, creating challenges for farmers and home gardeners despite recent rainfall.
Both backyard gardeners and commercial growers are dealing with difficult growing conditions.
"It's very challenging with the dry and heat and the hot weather but thank God in the last week and a half we've had over 10 inches of rain in our farm and nursery area," said John Harmuth of Longhill Nursery.
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Widespread rain continued throughout the night, but several days of wet weather don't mean central North Carolina's drought is over.
According to the NC Drought Advisory Council, Wake County moved down to severe drought status while Orange and Durham counties remain under extreme drought conditions.
Durham Mayor Leo Williams said the recent rain isn't enough to move Durham from its stage 2 water restrictions. The city needs days of rain to move the needle.
The rain was a headache for homeowners and drivers, but it was a major relief for communities that desperately need it.
Central North Carolina is facing a drought that is considered unprecedented, and Durham is facing some of the most extreme conditions.
"We are so grateful for this rain," Williams said. "But we are not out of the woods yet."
That's why Durham will stay in the current water restrictions.
"We're getting what we need, but we haven't gotten enough yet to reduce the restrictions back to a stage 1 yet," Williams said. "So, we're going to remain at stage 2, and after a few days, we'll see where we are, see what the reservoir looks like, and then we'll make a decision."
The mayor reminded residents to be good neighbors and conserve their water use.
"Do not power wash your house right now, because when you power wash your house, you may be taking water for someone else who needs to drink it," he said.
Williams reported that the city water use has dropped about 12%, but officials would like to see a 30% reduction.
