BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (WHKY) – Burke County Water customers are being asked to continue conserving water as the Catawba-Wateree River Basin remains under Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2.

The latest update shows some improvement, with reservoir storage at 94.9 percent of its target and the three-month drought monitor average improving to 0.21.

However, six-month average streamflow remains low at just 48.8 percent of the long-term average. Officials say that level is preventing the basin from reducing restrictions.

Stage 2 requires Burke County Water customers to cut water use by at least 10 percent. Lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to twice a week, no more than one-half inch per week, and only between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Washing driveways and sidewalks with public water and residential vehicle washing are prohibited.

Officials say recent rainfall has helped, but more widespread, soaking rain is needed before restrictions can be reduced.