Raleigh Enacts Stage 1 Water Rules Amid Persisting Drought

Raleigh Water is activating Stage 1 water-use restrictions effective April 20 due to a severe drought impacting Falls Lake and Swift Creek. The city notes Falls Lake is about 84% full and two secondary supplies (Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler) are near capacity. Restrictions include: outdoor watering only midnight–10 a.m. with odd/even-day rules, hose-end sprinklers limited to 6–10 a.m. or 6–10 p.m. on Tue/Wed, other outdoor uses allowed with restrictions, leaks must be fixed within 48 hours, and tap water can be served by restaurants on request. Indoor use is allowed, with broader efforts to conserve. Raleigh will post weekly drought-and-supply updates as conditions evolve.