Brunswick County moves to stage 2 mandatory water conservation alert ahead of holiday weekend

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County officials have upgraded water restrictions to a Stage 2 MANDATORY Water Conservation Alert as drought conditions continue to intensify across the region ahead of Independence Day weekend.

The county says the decision reflects worsening drought conditions classified as Extreme Drought (D3) by the North Carolina Drought Management Council, along with increased strain on the water system, which is now operating at more than 90% of available production and distribution capacity.

Officials say the mandatory measures are designed to reduce overall water consumption by at least 10% and prevent the need for additional restrictions.

Mandatory Irrigation Schedule Now in Effect

Under Stage 2 requirements, outdoor irrigation using public water is now restricted to overnight hours only, based on address numbers:

• No irrigation on Mondays
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (8 p.m. – 4 a.m.)
• Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (8 p.m. – 4 a.m.)

Watering is limited to less than one inch per week and must occur only during the designated nighttime hours.

County officials say irrigation remains the largest driver of non-essential water use and the primary focus of conservation efforts.

Restrictions Now Mandatory, With Enforcement

Unlike the previous Stage 1 voluntary alert, Stage 2 restrictions are now mandatory and enforceable.

Officials say non-compliance may result in warning notices, financial penalties of up to $300, and possible water service disconnection. Repeat or severe violations could result in higher fines and additional enforcement action.

Customers may be notified of violations through the ReadyBrunswick alert system or contact information tied to their utility accounts.

Expanded Conservation Measures

The Stage 2 alert includes broad restrictions on non-essential water use, including limits on:

• Vehicle washing and cleaning of paved surfaces (with limited exceptions)
• Filling or operating ornamental fountains, pools, and water features
• Power washing and pressure washing (restricted to approved commercial or public safety uses)
• Fire hydrant use (restricted to emergency and authorized maintenance use)
• Sewer line flushing unless required for public health
• Watering of landscaping beyond essential maintenance needs

Officials also continue to encourage indoor conservation measures such as shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances.

Who Is Affected

The alert applies to Brunswick County Public Utilities customers and several municipal systems supplied by the county, including:

Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle Beach.

Service areas also include Shallotte, Southport, Calabash, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Bolivia, Navassa, and surrounding communities.

Customers of Brunswick Regional Water & Sewer H2GO are not included in the alert. Private wells and reclaimed water systems are also exempt.

Drought Conditions Continue to Intensify

Officials say conditions have rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks, shifting from Severe Drought (D2) earlier this month to widespread Extreme Drought (D3) conditions across much of Brunswick County.

The increased drought severity has significantly reduced available source water from the Cape Fear River while increasing irrigation demand.

County leaders warn that continued high usage could lead to a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning, which would prohibit automatic irrigation entirely.

Monitoring Ongoing

Brunswick County officials say they will continue monitoring water demand and drought conditions closely. Additional restrictions may be issued if conditions do not improve.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Brunswick County Public Utilities at 910-253-2657 or utilityadmin@brunswickcountync.gov, or visit brunswickcountync.gov/WaterWise.