SoDu We Know What's Up? Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026

South Durham Guides | Southpoint Access

Practical guides for eating, shopping, raising a family, finding work, and staying connected in and around South Durham.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Good evening, neighbors!

Yesterday we knew how much rain fell at RDU. Today we have the readings from the two lakes that supply Durham’s drinking water. The airport got more than an inch on Friday. Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir each recorded just 0.16 inches for the entire month through Sunday.

That helps explain why the city’s estimate of readily accessible water slipped from 79 days before the storm to 78 days as of Nov. 8. Counting harder-to-reach water and the emergency supply at Teer Quarry, Durham still has an estimated 147 days. There was one encouraging change. Durham drew nearly half a million fewer gallons a day from its reservoirs on average than it did in the previous report.

Stage 2 restrictions remain in effect. You can still water by hand or use drip irrigation. If the city moves to Stage 3, both would be prohibited for most outdoor watering.

Stage 3 possible as reservoir water falls to 78 days

Durham now has 78 days of readily accessible reservoir water, and the latest city data show Friday’s storm delivered little rain where it mattered most.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt