North Carolina Drought: Recent Rainfall Helps, But Challenges Persist
In a recent update, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson discussed the ongoing drought situation in North Carolina. Despite recent rainfall, the state’s drought issues are far from resolved, and residents are urged to continue conserving water.
Governor Stein pointed out the severity of the situation, stating, “After a dry fall in 2025, North Carolina had a very dry start to 2026. Although recent rainfall has made a dent in the problem, we’re not in the clear yet. I encourage North Carolinians to check their local water system’s conservation status and do their part to use water wisely.”
Secretary Wilson highlighted the importance of continued water conservation amidst the wet weather, noting, “It may seem odd to talk about drought and continued water conservation after days of very wet weather, but we need to make up for months of extremely dry conditions. Everyone has a part to play in conserving water to ensure that we have sufficient clean water supplies to support our families and our economy.”
Drought Conditions and Updates
The state has experienced a shift in weather patterns since last August, as noted by Klaus Albertin, chair of the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. While drought conditions persist, recent rainfalls have improved situations in central and northeastern areas. However, many reservoirs remain below typical levels for this time of year. The US Army Corps of Engineers reported that the prolonged drought had significantly lowered water levels, with some reservoirs still facing challenges.
Streamflows are approaching normal levels, but groundwater levels remain below average and will need more time to recover. For instance, reservoirs such as Falls Lake, Little River, and Lake Michie in northern Durham County are still below their normal levels, despite some improvement from recent rains. Jordan Lake has benefited most, nearing full capacity, while other areas like Kerr Lake remain low.
Addressing the Drought
In regions facing severe drought, water systems are advised to enact their Water Shortage Response Plans and implement water use reduction strategies. Residents and water systems must report weekly usage through the Water Use Reporting website. More detailed information regarding drought classifications can be found on ncdrought.org.
Locals are encouraged to consult their water suppliers for guidance on usage restrictions, such as minimizing lawn watering or car washing. Currently, around 70 systems have mandatory restrictions, and 68 have voluntary measures in place.
Water Conservation Tips for Homeowners
- Check your local water system’s conservation status and adhere to any guidelines provided.
- For private wells, watch for signs like pump cycling or muddy tap water, which could indicate low water levels. Check the Drought Indicator Wells for local groundwater conditions.
- Limit outdoor watering to early morning to reduce evaporation.
- Fix leaks and use appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads to conserve water and reduce utility bills.
- Opt for dishwashers over hand washing for better water efficiency.
- Use a broom instead of water hoses for cleaning driveways.
- Delay car washes or use commercial services that recycle water.
Role of the Drought Management Advisory Council
North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) plays a crucial role in monitoring and assessing drought conditions. This multi-agency group collaborates weekly to evaluate various environmental factors and provides updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The council’s findings are available on www.ncdrought.org and further insights can be found on the DEQ’s drought education page.
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