With Water Usage Above Target Goals, City Approves More Flexibility to Escalate Water Restrictions

As the City continues to manage water usage in response to its exceptional drought status, today, July 7, Raleigh City Council approved an ordinance that would allow the City Manager to escalate water restrictions to maintain adequate water supply.

What the approved ordinance does

The ordinance allows the City to move more quickly into Stage 2 Water restrictions if water use remains too high during the ongoing drought. This includes disconnecting irrigation-only service if Stage 2 is implemented, and to move to Stage 3 if water use does not drop enough.

This ordinance does not activate Stage 2. Raleigh still remains under Stage 1 restrictions.

Why this update was needed

Stage 1 restrictions began on April 20 to help keep daily water use near 60 million gallons per day. Usage stayed close to that level through most of May.

In June, water use was higher-often above 66 million gallons per day-which puts additional pressure on Falls Lake and Raleigh's water supply.

How residents can help

Please continue following Stage 1 watering rules and look for simple ways to use less water. Reducing use now helps protect our water supply during the drought. Tips include:

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
• Only run dishwasher or washing machine on full cycles
• Take quick showers (showers use less water than baths)

The latest information on water usage and restrictions can be found at: Stage 1 Water Restrictions In Place as Drought Continues