DURHAM, N.C. – The City of Durham will enact Stage 2 water restrictions beginning Monday, June 15, 2026, in response to ongoing drought conditions that have significantly lowered water levels in the city’s reservoirs.
The decision comes as parts of the Triangle region are experiencing “exceptional drought,” the most severe category, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir, Durham’s primary water sources, have seen significant drops due to limited rainfall, warm temperatures, and increased water demand.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, all outdoor spray irrigation and in-ground sprinklers are prohibited. Residents can still water landscapes using hand-held hoses, drip irrigation systems, or tree and shrub watering bags. Decorative fountains, ponds, and pools are also affected; water can only be added if it is recycled, and pools may only be topped off to replace evaporation or spillage…