News

Durham's Estimated Water Supply Climbs, While Restrictions Remain

Durham had 144 days of readily accessible reservoir water as of Aug. 13, while average demand on the reservoirs fell nearly 11% since July 26.

The Bull City's water outlook continues to improve thanks to recent rains, with Durham officials estimating 227 total days of supply as of Aug. 13.

That's 32 more days than the 195-day total reported July 26. The city's supply of readily accessible reservoir water climbed from 119 to 144 days during the same period.

Stage 2 water restrictions remain in effect. Water levels in Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir must be near full, officials say, before the restrictions are lifted.

Supply estimates are based on a 30-day running average of demand placed on Durham's water sources. Back on July 26, demand was 25.54 million gallons per day. By August, it fell about 11% to 22.76 million gallons per day.

Daily water use hasn't declined in a straight line, however. Demand spiked to 33.11 million gallons on Aug. 13. The month-to-date average: 30.77 million, which is a 3.5% reduction compared to the same time in August 2025.

In an Aug. 11 updated, the city reported that it continued to:

Purchase 5.6 million gallons per day from the Town of Cary
Draw just under 4 million gallons per day from Teer Quarry.
Use reclaimed water for city landscaping and grounds maintenance.

The city has stopped buying supplemental water from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.

Officials said reservoir storage had reached 55.7% as of Aug. 10, up from 50% on July 26.

Through Aug. 13, Lake Michie had received 2.9 inches of rain during August, bringing its 2026 total to 23.01 inches. Little River Reservoir had received 2.56 inches during August and 16.78 inches for the year.

Despite the improvement, the city needs several more storms to bring both reservoirs close enough to full capacity to lift Stage 2 restrictions.

The city also continued to describe Stage 3 restrictions as a possibility based on future water demand and weather conditions.

Current rules include:

Spray irrigation with city water is prohibited.
Drip irrigation and hand watering are allowed, but hoses must have automatic shutoff attachments.
Residents can't use city water to wash vehicles at home. Commercial car washes may continue operating if they comply with city requirements.
City water can't be used for routine washing of building exteriors, decks, sidewalks, driveways, roads, or parking lots.
Large users consuming more than 100,000 gallons per day are expected to attempt a 30% reduction and document their efforts.
No new landscape-irrigation exemptions are being issued while the water-shortage declaration remains in effect.

Exceptions remain available for certain health and safety needs, surface preparation before painting, container plants, commercial plant stock, irrigation-system testing, and facilities operating under approved water-conservation plans.

As of Aug. 11, Durham Water Management had received 293 reports or complaints since Stage 2 restrictions began June 15. The city had issued four violations.

That was up from 278 reports and three violations in the city’s July 27 update.

Potential violations may be reported through the city’s online water-restriction form or by calling Durham One Call at 919-560-1200.

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