BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Burke County officials are thanking residents for helping reduce water usage during ongoing drought conditions, but they say continued conservation remains critical as regional water supplies remain under stress.

Since Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions were implemented, Burke County Water customers have reduced nonessential water use, helping ease demand on the regional water system. County officials say recent rainfall provided only temporary improvements to area reservoirs, and water levels have already begun declining again due to continued low streamflow.

Monitoring across western North Carolina and the upper Catawba River Basin shows many streams remain in “Very Dry” or “Extremely Dry” conditions, including portions of the Catawba, Johns, Linville, and North Fork Catawba rivers, along with Wilson Creek, Hunting Creek, and Silver Creek.

Officials say while some private wells appear to be performing normally, public water systems rely on shared reservoirs and river flows, making continued conservation necessary.

Burke County Water, which purchases water from the cities of Morganton and Hickory and the Town of Valdese, will continue working with regional partners to monitor drought conditions and water supplies.

Under the current Stage 2 restrictions, customers are limited to watering lawns no more than twice a week between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., vehicle washing with public water is prohibited, and washing driveways and sidewalks is not allowed. Officials warn that repeated violations could result in fines or even water service disconnection.

“We appreciate the community’s continued cooperation,” said Burke County General Services Director Mark Delehant. “The recent improvements were helpful, but they were temporary. Until streamflow and overall water supply conditions show sustained recovery, continued conservation remains necessary.”

County officials encourage customers to continue fixing leaks, limiting outdoor water use, and reducing unnecessary water consumption until restrictions are lifted.