Burlington remains under Stage One voluntary water conservation alert

Burlington remains under a Stage One voluntary water conservation alert, with the city saying its supply is sufficient for current demand while asking customers to reduce nonessential water use.

The city’s water-status page showed the alert as active on August 3, 2026. Burlington says the status became effective July 7 because of reservoir levels, dry conditions, seasonal and weather concerns, and other conservation triggers identified in its water-conservation plan.

Why the alert remains in place

Burlington’s notice says Stage One conservation can be used when reservoir capacity reaches specified levels, when abnormally dry or persistent drought conditions develop, or when treatment, storage, equipment or demand creates additional pressure on the system.

The city has not said that Burlington faces an immediate water-supply failure. Its current notice specifically says the system has sufficient water to meet current demand.

State officials have continued to warn that recent rain has not erased broader drought pressure. In a July 23 update, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality said rainfall had improved conditions in some areas but that precipitation deficits remained and reservoirs across the state were below normal. The state urged residents to follow guidance from their local water systems.

What Burlington customers are being asked to do

Stage One is focused on voluntary conservation. Burlington asks customers to limit lawn watering and water only when grass shows signs of withering, applying water slowly to improve penetration. Shrubbery watering should also be limited.

Residents are asked to limit car washing and outdoor washdowns of sidewalks, patios, driveways and similar areas. The city recommends running dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.

The city’s guidance also asks customers to reduce toilet flushing to the minimum whenever practical and limit the operating hours of water-cooled air conditioners when possible.

What Stage One does not mean

Burlington’s current status is classified as voluntary conservation. It is a request for customers to change water-use habits, not a notice that the city has moved to mandatory restrictions.

The city says the purpose of conservation is to help preserve access to drinking water. Residents should not interpret the alert as an instruction to stop using water for drinking or other essential needs.

What residents should watch next

Recent rain may improve conditions, but state officials say it has not fully restored reservoirs or eliminated drought-related concerns. Burlington customers should rely on the city’s water-status page for the current local alert and any future change in conservation guidance.

The Stage One status may change if reservoir levels, weather, demand or other conditions affecting the city’s water system change.

Sources

• City of Burlington Water Status Update
• North Carolina DEQ drought conservation update
• WXII 12 report on Burlington water restrictions