DroughtWednesday, November 4
Durham's reservoirs are 33% full, and the city is nearing Stage 3 water limits
The 5AM Durham team
If you're on Durham city water, the drought is hitting close to home. Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, the city's main reservoirs, are 33% full, compared to 38% in July, said Joe Lunne of the city's Department of Water Management. This is typically Durham's driest time of year, and Lunne said the city doesn't expect a lot of rain.
Durham's reservoirs are 33% full, down from 38% in July
33%Durham's main reservoirs, full
Source: The News & Observer
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Durham's main reservoirs, full | 33% |
| July | 38% |
Durham enacted water use restrictions in June, Stage 2 restrictions are still in place, and the city is nearing the trigger for Stage 3. To avoid tighter rules, the city has been buying water from Jordan Lake through Cary, and it began buying from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority this week. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake aren't quite as bad, mainly because they're larger.
- Lake Michie: 11.9 feet below normal
- Little River Reservoir: 18.75 feet below normal
- Oct. use: over 33 million gallons daily, versus about 31 million in 2025
- Flat River below Lake Michie: less than 1 foot of water
Durham County is in severe drought
Rating set by U.S. Drought Monitor
Severe drought
- Durham's Stage 2 water restrictions are still in place
- No city water to wash cars
- No city water to refill pools
- No city water to irrigate lawns
Source: The News & Observer
View as table
| Level | In effect |
|---|---|
| Abnormally dry | |
| Moderate drought | |
| Severe drought | Now |
| Extreme drought | |
| Exceptional drought |
Sources: The News & Observer, Durham Herald Sun