AI Image
Durham has 81 days of water remaining as drought continues, Stage 3 restrictions possible
WRAL • • nation
Key Points:
- Durham's two main reservoirs, Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, are at 31% combined capacity, with an estimated 81 days of water supply remaining amid ongoing drought conditions in the county.
- To supplement its water supply, Durham is using additional sources such as Teer Quarry and Jordan Lake, with treated water purchased from the Town of Cary and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA).
- The city is closely monitoring reservoir levels and may impose Stage 3 water restrictions if there is a 10% or greater chance that reservoir storage drops to 25% within eight weeks; currently, Durham remains under Stage 2 restrictions.
- Stage 2 water restrictions prohibit sprinkler irrigation and vehicle washing with city water except at commercial facilities, while allowing hand watering and limited use for pools and decorative features under specific conditions.
- Rainfall forecasted in the coming days may help improve the water supply situation, but Durham continues to increase water intake from external sources to manage the drought impact.
