Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues

RALEIGH – Localized heavier rainfall in parts of North Carolina may help alleviate demand for water for irrigation or other uses but did not lead to substantial improvements in the state’s drought conditions. 

According to the classifications released by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council on Thursday, nine counties around the Triangle and eastern Triad remain in exceptional drought, the highest drought classification. Brunswick County is also classified as experiencing exceptional drought. Another 46 counties are in extreme drought, 31 counties are in severe drought and 14 counties are in moderate drought. 

“Parts of the Triangle saw more than 4 inches of rain or more this past week, but to substantially improve our drinking water supplies, it has to rain upstream of the reservoirs,” said Linwood Peele, supervisor of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Water Supply Planning Branch. “It matters where the rain falls, and how fast it falls. The rain helped conditions here, but we need the lakes and reservoirs to fill back up, the groundwater and aquifers replenished and soil moisture restored.” 

Parts of North Carolina, including areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, saw 4 to 5 inches of precipitation in a seven-day period, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but other parts of the state recorded none, or less than a tenth of an inch. Reservoirs around the state remain below normal, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

“It does help when we have rainfall like this, it helps because people don’t need to use as much water for irrigation or outdoor water use,” Peele said. “But to really help, we need those reservoirs to refill, and that will take time. We’re in a huge deficit.” 

Rainfall totals are down more than 23 inches in Wilmington, more than 22 inches in Boone and more than 15 inches in Raleigh compared with historical averages for the same period, according to the NC State Climate Office. Streamflow and groundwater levels continue to stay below normal or at record lows in parts of the state. 

For counties in exceptional or extreme drought conditions, or D4 and D3 classifications, water systems are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plans and adhere to water use reduction measures. Systems must report weekly water use and conservation status online at the DWR’s Water Use Reporting website. The public should check with their local water supply system for any information on water use restrictions that may be in place.  

“If a water system is asking people to cut back on non-essential water use, they should listen,” Peele said. “The more people do it, the longer the water should last. This is something we have to conserve our way out of.” 

DMAC is a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, and organized by DWR. DMAC members meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a map of the nation’s drought conditions. DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursdays, based on conditions through the previous Tuesday. To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit www.ncdrought.org. 

To learn more, visit our drought education page.

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Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions

Under the direction from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, as of April 14, 2026, parts of 30 North Carolina counties, including Macon County, are in Extreme Drought (D3). According to Session Law 2008-143, each local government and large community water system must report weekly water use if they are in a county that contains an area of Extreme or Exceptional drought and implement conservation efforts within their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). Effective April 22, 2026, the Town of Franklin is asking citizens to voluntarily restrict water usage by 5%.

PRESS RELEASE (04-21-2026) TOWN OF FRANKLIN

Voluntary Water Restrictions to begin April 22, 2026

As of April 14, 2026 there are parts of 30 North Carolina counties in Extreme Drought (D3) including Macon County. According to Session Law 2008-143, each local government and large community water system must report weekly water use if they are in a county that contains an area of Extreme or Exceptional drought and implement conservation efforts within their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). The Town of Franklin is asking citizens to voluntarily restrict the amount of water being used effective April 22, 2026. Due to the lack of rain, water levels in Cartoogechaye Creek at the inflow to the water treatment plant are below normal and this has triggered a Stage 1 voluntary water restriction.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin’s WSRP, a stage 1 voluntary water restriction means that all water users are being asked to reduce their normal water use by 5%. Examples of ways to voluntarily restrict water use can include eliminating of washing vehicles, waiting to wash clothes until you have a full load, checking for leaks or toilets that may be running or use of dishwashers, limiting watering or irrigating outdoor landscapes.

The Town is asking for citizen cooperation by limiting the use of water, when possible, until there is enough precipitation to raise water levels and reduce fire danger.

Any updates related to the water restrictions will be forwarded to the media and posted on the Town’s website and the Town, Police and Fire social media pages.

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Published at 4.30am on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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NCDEQ: Drought intensifies in North Carolina

 

RALEIGH – Drought conditions have worsened across North Carolina, with 15 counties now experiencing extreme drought, and most counties experiencing severe drought or moderate drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC).

Based on data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center, precipitation totals for the last six months are almost 10 inches below normal for many areas across the state, with some areas experiencing greater deficits. Rainfall stations at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, at Hickory and in the Charlotte area have recorded their driest six months on record. Many streams and rivers are at all-time low levels, according to U.S. Geological Survey data.

“Winter is usually the time when North Carolina’s water supplies get replenished due to good rains and low-water demand, but those good rains did not happen this winter,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “The rain we’ve had so far has not been enough to make up for the precipitation deficit. The snowfall that we had this winter had lower-than-normal water content, with snow-to-water equivalents of more than 20 inches of snow to 1 inch of water.”

While impacts from drought have been limited due to lower water demand in the winter months, more significant effects are expected for water systems, agriculture and water recreation if the drought continues, Albertin said.

“We could see poor growth for farmers at the start of the growing season, or delays in planting, low reservoir levels and closed boat launches,” Albertin said.

For counties in extreme drought, or D3 conditions, water systems are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plan and adhere to water use reduction measures. They must report weekly water use and conservation status online through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resource’s Local Water Supply Plan website.

“The public should follow any local water supply restrictions,” Albertin said. “Municipal websites are usually the best place to look for information on restrictions that are in place.”

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, until further notice.

DMAC is a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, and organized by DWR. DMAC members meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a map of the nation’s drought conditions. DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursdays, based on conditions through the previous Tuesday. To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit www.ncdrought.org.

To learn more, visit our drought education page.

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Moderate drought expands in western North Carolina

PRESS RELEASE (03-28-2025)

NC DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council expanded the moderate drought classification to include 70 counties in the latest advisory released Thursday. 

The DMAC classified all or parts of 70 counties as experiencing moderate drought (D1 classification), while parts of Onslow County were classified as experiencing severe drought (D2). DMAC classified another 27 counties as abnormally dry. 

“North Carolina saw another week of below or well below average rainfall,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “Impacts from the slow-growing, but widespread, drought had been limited due to lower water demands in winter, but are starting to be felt. Low humidity, high winds and dry vegetation have contributed to increased wildfire activity and impacts to agriculture.” 

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.   

DMAC is a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, and organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR). Members of DMAC meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a map of the nation’s drought conditions. DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursdays, based on conditions through the previous Tuesday.  

To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit www.ncdrought.org.To learn more, visit https://www.ncdrought.org/education. 

D1 Moderate Drought

• Adhere to local water use restrictions.
• Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
• Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories at ncdrought.org.
• Project water needs and available water supply for a ninety day period from the issuance of this advisory.
• Assess your vulnerability to the drought conditions and adjust water usage to prolong available supply.
• Inspect water delivery system components (e.g. irrigation lines, fixtures, processing equipment, water system lines, etc.), repair leaks and ensure that existing equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
• Minimize nonessential uses of water.
• Implement available public awareness and educational outreach programs emphasizing the need to conserve water.

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Extreme, severe drought expand in parts of North Carolina

**Editor's Note** The majority of Macon County is in a moderate drought, with the northwest part experiencing severe drought. There are currently no water restrictions in Macon County.

PRESS RELEASE (07-19-2024)
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

 

Extreme, severe drought expand in parts of North Carolina 

RALEIGH –The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) expanded its severe drought classification and classified two counties as in extreme drought in the latest advisory issued Thursday. 

DMAC classified parts of Columbus and Yadkin counties as in extreme drought (D3 classification) in the latest drought advisory. In addition, DMAC expanded the severe drought (D2 classification) to 26 counties. Parts of 49 counties were classified as in moderate drought, while 21 counties were classified as abnormally dry.  

“We continue to see drought impacts statewide, but some improvement could be on the way," said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. "Forecasts are predicting heavy rain this weekend across all of North Carolina and a return to more typical temperatures and rainfall for the month."

Groundwater and surface water reservoirs typically see higher demand for water during the summer, and the ongoing drought conditions could result in water restrictions. Some counties have updated their water conservation status on ncdrought.org. 

For areas in extreme drought (D3), publicly or privately owned water systems are required to report conservation status to DWR. Systems required to prepare a local Water Supply Plan under G.S. 143-355(l) that do not have a written Water Shortage Response Plan, as outlined in Rule 15A NCAC 02E.0607 of this section, shall implement the default water use reduction measures of 15A NCAC 02E .0613 and 15A NCAC 02E .0614. For more information, go to ncdrought.org. 

For counties in severe drought, or D2, DMAC recommends water users should implement Water Shortage Response Plans, participate in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources, reexamine water delivery systems to minimize water loss and maximize efficiency, and eliminate nonessential users of water. 

Counties in moderate drought, or D1, should Adhere to local water use restrictions, and participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources. 

 DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursdays.  

DMAC is a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, and organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR). Members of DMAC meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor (i.e., drought map), a map of the nation’s drought conditions. To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit www.ncdrought.org. To view the U.S. drought map, visit http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/. 

 

 

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Drought, dry conditions impacting 99 North Carolina counties

PRESS RELEASE (06-27-2024)

NORTH CAROLINA DROUGHT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

 RALEIGH –The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has classified all or part of 99 counties as in moderate drought or abnormally dry, with high temperatures and low precipitation driving the rapid deterioration of conditions across the state. 

DMAC classified 57 counties as in moderate drought, or in D1 conditions. Another 42 counties were classified as abnormally dry. This marks only the second time since 2000 that North Carolina has seen an increase in the drought classification for more than 50 percent of the state in one week.  

“The hot and dry conditions resulted in a rapid degradation of conditions statewide,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “The lack of rainfall has been made worse by the warm weather and low humidity. We have already seen impacts to stream flows and reservoirs. The late spring and early summer are critical in the growing season, and impacts to agriculture have already been seen.” 

Groundwater and surface water reservoirs typically see higher demand for water during the summer, and the ongoing dry conditions could result in water restrictions. Some utilities, including in Brunswick, Johnston, Pamlico and West Carteret, have issued water conservation advisories. 

Recent rainfall across much of the state has been minimal, with Southeast Regional Climate Center data indicating that some weather stations have recorded their driest 30 days on record. Based on the short-term forecast, drought conditions may expand or worsen.  

DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursday. The next update will be on July 3 due to the July Fourth holiday.  

DMAC is a collaboration of drought experts from various government agencies in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, and organized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR). Members of DMAC meet weekly and submit their drought condition recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center for updates to the U.S. Drought Monitor (i.e., drought map), a map of the nation’s drought conditions. To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit www.ncdrought.org. To view the U.S. drought map, visit http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/. 

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Voluntary Water Restrictions Lifted in Franklin

PRESS RELEASE (122-12-2023)

TOWN OF FRANKLIN

Voluntary Water Restrictions Lifted

With the rainfall received over the weekend, the levels for inflow are back within normal limits and all water restrictions have been lifted.

The Town of Franklin asked citizens to voluntarily restrict the amount of water being used beginning on Friday, October 6, 2023. Due to the lack of rain, water levels in Cartoogechaye Creek at the inflow to the water treatment plant were below normal and triggered a Stage 1 voluntary water restriction.

The Town asked for citizen cooperation by limiting the use of water, when possible, until there was enough precipitation to raise water levels.

“We appreciate the citizens taking the necessary steps to assist in water conservation during the driest time of this year,” said Amie Owens, Town Manager.   

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Extreme, severe drought conditions expand in North Carolina

 RALEIGH – Light rain didn’t halt the expansion of drought across the state, with the North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) expanding the Extreme Drought (D3) designation to parts of four additional counties in southwestern North Carolina, and classifying 10 more counties in the Piedmont as in Severe Drought (D2).

The new classifications released Wednesday account for precipitation that occurred as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, but most of the state saw less than a tenth of an inch, said Klaus Albertin, chair of DMAC. Mid-week rainfall would be reflected in next week’s drought update. Albertin said the additional precipitation could help prevent conditions from worsening.

“Typically, rain for this time a year is about an inch a week,” Albertin said. “If we get an inch and a half, it could help, but may not improve conditions dramatically. The mid- to long-term forecast is still for a wet winter due to the El Niño pattern, but it’s expected to be January before we start to see big impacts.”

In western North Carolina, DMAC expanded the Extreme Drought classification to Burke, Jackson, Lincoln and Swain counties, in addition to Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Henderson, Macon, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties. Under Extreme Drought, all water users are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plans, adhering to guidelines established during the 2007 drought. Water systems in areas of extreme drought are required to report weekly water usage. 

The DMAC also expanded the Severe Drought classification for an additional 10 counties in central North Carolina, encompassing 40 total counties. Until further notice, DMAC strongly urges local government implementation of drought response actions - in addition to previous advisories - for all water users located in, or dependent on, water resources from the areas of the state in Severe Drought conditions. Recommendations include examining water delivery systems to minimize loss and maximize efficiency, eliminating non-essential water use and evaluating options for reuse, reclamation and/or recycling into daily operations.

In addition, abnormally dry (D0) to moderate (D1) drought conditions continued in eastern North Carolina. Across the state, all of or parts of 96 counties were classified as abnormally dry or worse.

DMAC’s drought map

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Burn ban issued for 14 counties in Western North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions

PRESS RELEASE (11-05-2023)
NC FOREST SERVICE

RALEIGH - Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties effective 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, until further notice.

“Several counties in Western North Carolina are currently in a severe drought, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions. Because dry conditions are expected to continue this burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even though not all areas of the North Carolina fall under the burn ban, we do encourage extreme caution with any burning as conditions are dry in many areas of the state. We will continue to assess conditions in the coming weeks to determine if we need to expand the burn ban.”

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

Answers to FAQ

Q: What is open burning?

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-outreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or www.resistwildfirenc.org.

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Town of Franklin Begins Voluntary Water Restrictions on Friday, October 6th, 2023

Voluntary Water Restrictions to begin October 6, 2023

The Town of Franklin is asking citizens to voluntarily restrict the amount of water being used effective Friday, October 6,2023. Due to the lack of rain, water levels in Cartoogechaye Creek at the inflow to the water treatment plant are below normal and this has triggered a Stage 1 voluntary water restriction.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin’s Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP), a stage 1 voluntary water restriction means that all water users are being asked to reduce their normal water use by 5%. Examples of ways to voluntarily restrict water use can include eliminating of washing vehicles, waiting to wash clothes until you have a full load, checking for leaks or toilets that may be running or use of dishwashers, limiting watering or irrigating outdoor landscapes. The Town is asking for citizen cooperation by limiting the use of water, when possible, until there is enough precipitation to raise water levels.

Any updates related to the water restrictions will be forwarded to the media and posted on the Town’s website and the Town, Police and Fire social media pages. 

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