Durham Bans Outdoor Watering, Except for Saturdays

The new restrictions ban all outdoor watering with automatic sprinkler systems and hose-end sprinklers. Hand-held watering hoses or drip irrigation will be allowed on Saturdays only, between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“After re-evaluating our water situation this weekend, I feel it’s prudent to cut back even more and even sooner than we had anticipated,” Durham City Manager Patrick Baker said.

Since implementing moderate mandatory conservation on Sept. 21, usage has decreased by only 16 percent, significantly less than the city’s 30 percent goal.

“It is essential that we start working together to inform the public about the seriousness of our current water situation and how they can help make a difference,” Baker said. “With no significant rainfall in sight, we need to start thinking about ways that we can extend our water supply for the future.”

Durham's main water source, Lake Michie, is down 14 feet.