Raleigh steps up water restriction enforcement as lake level falls

Raleigh Water officials say they are increasing enforcement efforts and urging residents to cut back on water use as demand rises and drought conditions persist.

Average daily water usage has climbed to more than 76 million gallons, an increase of more than 10 million gallons compared with last week, according to officials. The spike comes as Falls Lake, the city’s primary water source, continues to recede during a particularly dry stretch.

“This particular drought that we’re in now is sort of the worst-case scenario,” said Ed Buchan, Raleigh Water assistant director.

In response, Raleigh Water is expanding enforcement of existing restrictions and encouraging residents to reduce consumption wherever possible.

“We’re going to have our enforcement staff out in the morning,” Buchan said.

Since April 20, officials have issued 244 educational letters, 10 official warnings and recorded 355 violations related to water use rules.

Level 1 water restrictions have been in place since April, limiting outdoor irrigation to Tuesdays and Wednesdays based on address. Officials say much of the increased demand is tied to irrigation, especially as hotter temperatures increase evaporation.

“We’re starting to see more demand from our customers and a little more evaporation because it’s been hotter,” Buchan said.

The water supply pool at Falls Lake is currently at 69% capacity. Additional restrictions would be triggered if levels drop to 45%. While officials say the lake is still well above that threshold, they warn conditions could worsen with continued dry weather and a potential heat wave.

Residents are being asked to do their part by cutting back on water use at home, including taking shorter showers, running larger loads of laundry and using dishwashers only when full.

“We don’t want to be watering too much, but it’s really unfortunate to see the grass drying out because we want to keep this a really beautiful yard, but we also don’t want to waste the water at the same time,” said Raleigh resident Wilson Feichter.

Officials say community participation will be key to avoiding stricter restrictions if drought conditions continue.

“I hope that we’re all kind of just doing our part and just keeping a minimum and waiting for the next rain,” Feichter said.

Raleigh Water officials warn that conserving water now will be critical, as ongoing drought conditions could make recovery more difficult if usage remains high.

To report potential violations of the water conservation restrictions, contact Raleigh Water at Water.Conservation@raleighnc.gov

ABC11 is The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 9:17 AM.