Durham may impose stricter water restrictions amid ongoing drought

Durham officials are cautioning residents and businesses that worsening drought conditions could lead to tighter water restrictions as the city manages a limited water supply, ABC11 WTVD reported.

Since June 15, Stage 2 water restrictions have been in effect, which prohibit automatic and hose-end sprinklers and the use of hoses to clean driveways, sidewalks, decks, or buildings. Officials say the city may escalate to Stage 3 if conditions do not improve.

Severe drought continues to impact parts of Durham County and much of central North Carolina, with this month marking one year since Durham was first classified as being in a drought, according to ABC11 WTVD.

Keith Lukowski, manager of Durham Garden Center, noted that reservoir water levels have revealed more shoreline than usual, signaling limited water availability. He emphasized concerns about overusing groundwater to compensate for the lack of rainfall, which municipalities want to avoid.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water and help gardens retain moisture by adding organic matter to soil, as part of efforts to manage the drought's impact.

The drought's effects may persist through the winter, prompting continued vigilance from city officials and residents to prevent further strain on water resources.