Brunswick County expands water conservation guidance as drought conditions intensify ahead of holiday weekend
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County officials are urging residents and businesses to further reduce water use as drought conditions worsen, expanding recommended conservation actions under a Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert.
The county announced updated voluntary guidelines this week as Independence Day weekend approaches, a period typically marked by increased outdoor water demand. Officials said the goal is to reduce peak system demand and avoid the need for mandatory restrictions.
According to Brunswick County Public Utilities, water demand has exceeded 80% of available production and distribution capacity, with irrigation identified as the largest driver of non-essential usage.
New irrigation schedule added
Under the updated guidance, residents are now asked to limit outdoor irrigation to nighttime hours only, between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., and to follow a structured schedule based on address numbers:
- No irrigation on Mondays for all properties
- Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (8 p.m. to 4 a.m.)
- Even-numbered addresses may irrigate Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (8 p.m. to 4 a.m.)
Officials said the changes are intended to reduce peak daytime demand, particularly from lawn and landscape irrigation systems.
Voluntary measures, but possible future restrictions
The Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert remains voluntary, but county officials said conditions are being closely monitored and could lead to mandatory Stage 2 restrictions if usage does not decrease.
“We are asking customers to diligently conserve water now to help avoid more restrictive measures later,” the county said in its public notice.
Areas affected
The alert applies to customers of Brunswick County Public Utilities as well as several municipal systems that rely on county water supply, including Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle Beach utilities.
County water service covers unincorporated areas and multiple communities including Shallotte, Southport, Calabash, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, and others.
Customers of Brunswick Regional Water & Sewer H2GO are not included in the alert.
Private groundwater wells and reclaimed water systems are also exempt, including irrigation systems used by some area golf courses.
Conservation focus on irrigation
Officials emphasized that irrigation represents the largest share of discretionary water use and is the primary target of conservation efforts. Residents are encouraged to reduce lawn watering, avoid over-irrigation, and limit watering to essential landscaping needs.
The county also reiterated standard conservation recommendations, including fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, limiting shower times, and avoiding unnecessary outdoor water use such as washing driveways or sidewalks.
No impact on water quality
County officials clarified that the notice is not related to water quality and there is no boil water advisory in effect. The alert is strictly a conservation measure intended to maintain system capacity during elevated demand periods.
Monitoring continues
Brunswick County officials said they will continue monitoring water usage and drought conditions in the coming days and weeks. Residents will be notified if additional restrictions are required or when conditions improve.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact their water provider or Brunswick County Public Utilities at 910-253-2657 or utilityadmin@brunswickcountync.gov.
