Parts of Brunswick and Columbus Counties have reached the highest drought level
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Drought conditions have intensified across southeastern North Carolina, with portions of Brunswick and Columbus counties now classified under Exceptional Drought (D4) — the highest level on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The latest map, released Thursday, shows worsening conditions across much of the Cape Fear region after weeks of little rainfall, high temperatures, and increasing demand for water.
The worsening drought comes just days after Brunswick County updated its Water Shortage Response Plan while remaining under a Stage 2 Water Conservation Alert.
During Monday’s meeting, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved changes allowing limited irrigation during Stage 2 restrictions while giving the county the ability to issue fines for violations. Previously, automatic irrigation systems would have been required to shut off completely under Stage 2.
County officials stressed at the time that the changes did not move Brunswick County into a Stage 3 water shortage declaration.
The latest drought classification, however, raises questions about whether additional conservation measures could become necessary if dry conditions persist.
Meanwhile, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) announced Wednesday that it is asking customers to voluntarily reduce water use beginning Thursday. The utility is encouraging residents to limit outdoor irrigation by following an odd-even watering schedule and restricting irrigation to cooler hours to reduce evaporation.
CFPUA said conservation efforts will help maintain adequate water supplies for essential services, including fire protection and healthcare facilities, as drought conditions continue.
The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies Exceptional Drought (D4) as the most severe category, indicating widespread impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems, along with the potential for water emergencies.
Brunswick County has not announced any changes to its current Stage 2 Water Conservation Alert, but officials have said they will continue monitoring conditions and adjust response measures if necessary.
Meteorologists say meaningful, widespread rainfall will be needed in the coming weeks to improve drought conditions across the Cape Fear region.
