North Carolina Water Restrictions In 2026
April 20, 2026, the state of North Carolina announced a drought advisory , and released update information as of May 12, 2026. Stage 1 water restrictions have been enforced in some areas to preserve water supplies. Here is everything you need to know:
Raleigh
If your property uses an irrigation well, these restrictions do not apply. Review these restrictions otherwise:
- Automatic and non-automatic spray irrigation is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m.
- Homes with odd-numbered addresses may use water on Tuesdays.
- Homes with even-numbered addresses may use water on Wednesdays.
Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon use City of Raleigh water and will continue to follow Raleigh’s guidelines.
Review our Raleigh, NC Irrigation FAQs!
Apex
You may irrigate lawns and/or landscapes 3 days a week according to the schedule below:
- Odd Address Irrigation: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Even Address Irrigation: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Hand Watering: Allowed Everyday.
Aqua Customers
Aqua has their own watering restrictions in place for their water customers. This will apply to any customer that has Aqua Water. You are able to review Aqua’s Disruption Viewer.
Mandatory odd-even spray irrigation two days per week:
Odd addresses: Tuesday 10 p.m. to Wednesday 1 a.m./ Thursday 10 p.m. to Friday 1 a.m.
Even addresses: Wednesday 10 p.m. to Thursday 1 a.m./ Friday 10 p.m. to Saturday 1 a.m.
Handheld use of a container or hose to water flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetable gardens is allowable on any day (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.).
No filling of swimming pools – Topping-off pools only 12 inches per week.
Other Cities
Cary, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Durham do not have any restrictions in place at this time. Keep updated with your city’s water restrictions as this drought continues. Preserving water supply for cities is a community effort and everyone has their part. Our part is to make sure our customers stay informed!