BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (WHKY) — Burke County remains under Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions as drought conditions continue to impact the Catawba River Basin, according to county officials.

The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has now spent more than 200 consecutive days operating under its Low Inflow Protocol, a sign that below-normal water conditions continue across the region.

Officials say June brought just 2.75 inches of rainfall, roughly two-thirds of what is considered normal for the month. While lake levels have shown some improvement, stream flow throughout the basin remains well below average.

Residents are being urged to continue conserving water as officials monitor conditions and await more sustained rainfall.