Brunswick County adjusts stage 3 water restrictions amid exceptional drought

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County remains under a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning as exceptional drought conditions continue across the region, but officials are making a limited adjustment to mandatory water restrictions.

According to the latest update from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, Brunswick County is still experiencing an Exceptional Drought, the highest drought classification level.

Under the updated Stage 3 restrictions, residents and businesses will now be allowed to use automatic irrigation systems once per week for lawn and landscape watering. The limited schedule applies only to automatic sprinkler systems, spray irrigation, and drip irrigation systems.

Water customers using automatic irrigation must follow the designated schedule:

• Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) and non-addressed facilities may irrigate from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday.
• Even-numbered addresses (ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0) may irrigate from 8 p.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday.

Irrigation is limited to less than one inch of water per week during the approved eight-hour period.

Officials said penalties for violations of the mandatory restrictions will continue to apply.

“Brunswick County will continue to monitor drought conditions and water use to determine whether additional changes to the Stage 3 Mandatory Restrictions may become necessary,” the county said.

Holden Beach is also monitoring water usage among customers and will issue penalties for violations.

Residents can view the full list of mandatory water usage adjustments, exceptions, and additional conservation information online.

The Stage 3 restrictions will remain in effect until further notice as officials continue responding to ongoing drought conditions.