North Carolina drought tracker: Latest restrictions, water levels and drought impacts

Drought conditions continue across parts of North Carolina, and state officials are encouraging residents to take steps to conserve water. Here are a few ways homeowners can reduce water use and help protect local water supplies:

• Check your local water system's conservation status and follow any restrictions or conservation measures that may be in place.
• If you use a private well, watch for signs that water levels may be dropping, including muddy tap water or a well pump that cycles when no water is being used.
• Water lawns and gardens before 10 a.m. to reduce evaporation.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets, and only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
• Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand, as it typically uses less water.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks with a broom rather than spraying them with a hose.
• Consider postponing car washes until conditions improve, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Officials say small conservation efforts can make a big difference during periods of dry weather

The City of Rocky Mount said Thursday that it will reduce its water conservation measures from Mandatory Stage 1 to Voluntary Stage 2 effective Saturday.

The decision comes after improved water supply conditions resulting from recent rainfall.

The City implemented Mandatory Stage 1 Water Conservation on June 22. Since then, the recent heavy rains have improved reservoir levels and stabilized the City's water supply, officials said.

"The City appreciates the cooperation demonstrated by residents, businesses, and wholesale customers throughout the implementation of Mandatory Stage 1 Water Conservation," the City wrote in a release. "Community conservation efforts, combined with favorable weather conditions, have helped preserve the City's water supply and improve overall water conditions."

Water customers are encouraged to continue using water wisely.

Under Voluntary Stage 2 Water Conservation, customers are encouraged to:

• Water lawns and landscapes only when necessary.

• Repair leaking faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems promptly.

• Avoid unnecessary outdoor water use, including washing driveways and sidewalks.

• Operate dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

• Practice everyday water-saving habits whenever possible.

After more than three months of strict watering limits, Raleigh officials say the city will lift its water restrictions on Monday, ending a summer of frustration for many homeowners trying to maintain their yards.

Residents received hundreds of mailed warnings throughout the season, and some said the combination of heat and limits on irrigation made upkeep difficult.

"You spend a lot of time and money on your yard, and you want it to look nice," Raleigh resident Hannah Adamson said.

The restrictions, in place since April 20, were intended to protect the city's water supply during a period of high demand and limited rainfall. Adamson said homeowners understood the need for conservation but still felt the strain.

"Obviously we know why there's restrictions. We needed to protect the water supply, but for homeowners, it does get frustrating," she said. "Thankfully Monday it's ending, so we're excited for that."

City officials reported 1,100 violations during the restriction period. Eight households received $50 fines, and two were issued $200 penalties.

The dry stretch kept irrigation businesses busy. Water Works owner Ed Mutio said he spent much of the summer installing systems across Wake County. At a recent job where new sod had just been laid, Mutio said his work is meant to supplement natural rainfall. "I do is just supplemental to rainfall," he said.

With recent rain improving conditions, Mutio said homeowners are eager to restore their lawns. "Definitely, people want to have a nice curb appeal to their home. And, you know, they're doing what they need to do. And they know that efficient watering is going to protect their investment," he said.

Although restrictions are ending and water levels have improved, the city says Falls Lake has not yet returned to full capacity.

Officials are encouraging residents to continue using water wisely as the region recovers.

After more than three months of strict watering limits, Raleigh officials say the city will lift its water restrictions on Monday, ending a summer of frustration for many homeowners trying to maintain their yards.

Locally heavy rainfall over the past week has brought some much-needed relief to parts of central North Carolina, with many areas improving by one to two drought categories in the latest update.

The improvements follow a wetter-than-normal July across much of the state. State officials say significant rainfall over the past week has helped improve drought conditions in central and northeastern North Carolina, and streamflows are now near normal in most areas.

Still, drought conditions remain a concern.

"Although recent rainfall has made a dent in the problem, we're not in the clear yet," Gov. Josh Stein said Thursday. "I encourage North Carolinians to check their local water system's conservation status and do their part to use water wisely."

Rain has been less consistent across northern North Carolina, which continues to be reflected in water supply conditions. Kerr Lake stabilized after recent rainfall but did not rise and remains 5.4 feet below its normal pool level for this time of year.

The recent rain also boosted water levels at several Triangle reservoirs. Falls Lake remains 3.1 feet below normal, while Little River Reservoir and Lake Michie in northern Durham County are still 12.3 feet and 8.8 feet below normal levels, respectively. Jordan Lake saw some of the biggest gains from the recent rainfall and is now close to full.

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said the recent wet weather shouldn't distract from the long-term impacts of months of dry conditions.

"It may seem odd to talk about drought and continued water conservation after days of very wet weather, but we need to make up for months of extremely dry conditions," Wilson said.

State drought experts say the weather pattern appears to be improving, but recovery will take time.

"We still have drought across the state, but most impacts are long term and will just take time and slightly above normal rain to improve," said Klaus Albertin, chair of the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

Officials continue to encourage residents to conserve water, noting that many reservoirs and groundwater supplies remain below normal despite recent improvements.