Raleigh Water Steps Up Enforcement as Use Tops 76 Million Gallons in Drought

3 articles · Updated · WTVD-TV · Jun 10

Average daily water use in Raleigh has jumped above 76 million gallons—more than 10 million higher than last week—prompting the utility to send enforcement staff out and press residents to conserve.
Falls Lake, the city’s main water source, has fallen to 69% capacity during what officials called a worst-case drought, with hotter weather and lawn irrigation driving demand and evaporation.
Since April 20, Raleigh Water has logged 355 violations, issued 244 educational letters and 10 official warnings under Level 1 restrictions that limit outdoor watering to Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Stricter measures would not kick in until Falls Lake drops to 45%, but officials warned continued dry weather and a possible heat wave could accelerate the decline unless households cut use now.