Water consumption already has dipped about 30 percent, but more stringent water restrictions are aiming for a further 20 percent cut.

Durham leaders announced the decision to go to Stage IV, or severe mandatory conservation, in the face of a drought that threatens to last well into next year. Durham has 59 days of water remaining in its main water supply, and the city is working to tap several alternate sources, including Jordan Lake and a local quarry.

Durham water customers cut its water consumption by 28 percent -- down to 23 million gallons per day -- since mandatory conservation measures were implemented in September.

But that might not be enough.

Forecasters are calling for a drier-than-normal winter. The season is typically the wettest time of year when sapped reservoirs can replenish.

If the forecast is correct, Durham's Lake Michie and Little River reservoirs won't recover sufficiently in time for the high-demand summer months.

That might lead to even more severe water restrictions.

Stage IV bans outdoor irrigation and filling swimming pools.

Businesses might be hit the hardest. The city's ordinance demands they cut consumption by 50 percent and submit regular reports on steps they're taking to do so.

But there is no penalty in the ordinance as of yet for non-compliance.

Vicki Westbrook, deputy director of the city's water management department, said the motivation is to avoid more severe restrictions that would go into effect if the drought lingers but water use doesn't drop.