Raleigh Lifts Stage 1 Water Restrictions After Falls Lake Reaches 84% Capacity
Recent rainfall pushed the city's main water supply reservoir past the threshold needed to end restrictions in place since the spring, though officials are still asking residents to conserve.
The City of Raleigh lifted its Stage 1 water restrictions on Monday, Aug. 3, after recent rainfall raised the water supply pool at Falls Lake to 84% full, the city said in an official alert published July 29 and updated Aug. 3.
The city said rain over the preceding two weeks, including several periods of heavy rain, increased water levels in Falls Lake enough to meet the threshold required to lift restrictions under Raleigh's Water Supply Plan. Secondary reservoirs also improved: Lake Benson is now full, and Lake Wheeler is nearly full, according to the city.
Despite the change, officials said dry conditions are expected to continue in the region and that Falls Lake has not yet returned to full capacity. The city is asking residents to keep conserving water, citing steps such as limiting unnecessary outdoor watering, taking shorter showers, and running only full laundry loads. "Every drop counts," the city said in its announcement.
The city credited residents' conservation efforts during the restriction period with helping lower water use and protect the supply. Questions about water use can be directed to Raleigh's Customer Care and Billing line at 919-996-3245 or Water.Conservation@raleighnc.gov, per the city's alert.