Durham Faces Potential Stage 3 Water Restrictions Amid Worsening Drought Conditions
Durham, North Carolina, is facing the possibility of moving to Stage 3 water restrictions due to worsening drought conditions across the state. City officials report that Durham currently has approximately 78 days of accessible water remaining, an estimate based on no additional rainfall and no further water inflow from rivers. The city's total water supply is estimated at 147 days. Durham has been under Stage 2 water restrictions since June 15. James Lim, a Durham water official, indicated that Stage 3 restrictions would largely eliminate outdoor water use, though hand watering and drip irrigation might still be permitted. The city has a 20-inch rainfall deficit, and hopes for a major rain event, such as a hurricane, did not materialize.
