Durham’s Stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect as drought deepens
Durham NC – Stage 2 water restrictions took effect June 15, banning spray irrigation, limiting car washing, and closing some parks amenities.
Durham’s Stage 2 water shortage response is now in effect after the city moved on June 15 to tighter rules because of ongoing drought conditions and dropping reservoir levels at Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir. The city said the change was triggered by limited rainfall, warm temperatures and increased water demand.
The rules are mandatory, not advisory. Durham’s water ordinance says noncompliance is unlawful, and the city says violations may lead to enforcement action. Stage 2 stays in place until both reservoirs return to full levels.
What residents and businesses need to know
Stage 2 bans spray irrigation of landscapes with city water. Hand watering and drip irrigation are still allowed only with a hose attachment that has an automatic shutoff. Car washing is limited to compliant commercial facilities, and large water users are being asked to cut consumption by 30% and document those efforts.
The city also said no new landscape-exemption licenses will be issued while Stage 2 is active. For landscapers, property managers and other large users, that means older watering routines may now be out of bounds.
Parks and recreation are already changing
Durham Parks & Recreation said Lake Michie Park & Marina closed to all activity on June 5 because of low water levels. All DPR spray grounds are closed because they use nonrecirculating water, and water-play activities in summer recreation programs are being discontinued while Stage 2 is in effect.
Not every amenity is shut down. The city said its two indoor pools and one outdoor pool will keep operating, though they can be replenished as needed but not fully refilled. Athletic field watering is continuing, but staff are voluntarily reducing it to two days a week while they monitor turf health.
What to watch next
For Durham residents, the immediate takeaway is that outdoor watering rules have changed and car washing is narrower than before. For businesses and property managers, the city’s enforcement posture means water use practices should be checked now, not after a warning.
Sources
Discover more from Interactive News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
