Much of the Triangle is in exceptional drought, prompting new water restrictions and possible fines for residents.
There are more than 100 water systems in the state that have enacted mandatory or voluntary water restrictions due to the drought, which covers the entire state.
Raleigh is 18.59 inches below its average rainfall since August 2025, and Falls Lake, Raleigh’s primary water source, is 5 feet below its target level. As of mid-June, Durham was about 10-12 inches below normal since the start of the year, said Barrett Smith, senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service.
Raleigh drought violations
There have been 639 violations reported, 366 educational letters issued and 102 official warnings issued since Raleigh enacted water restrictions, said Ed Buchan, assistant director of Raleigh Water…