The Town of Elon has announced it will implement a Stage 1 water conservation declaration as officials respond to rising temperatures and worsening drought conditions across Alamance County.
During its July 8 meeting, the Elon Town Council approved a voluntary water conservation effort after the City of Burlington issued a Stage 1 water conservation declaration earlier that day.
Elon purchases its water from Burlington, whose supply comes from Lake Cammack, Lake Mackintosh and Stoney Creek Reservoir and is treated at two treatment plants. Because of this partnership, the town is contractually required to follow Burlington's lead on water conservation measures.
Under a Stage 1 declaration, water conservation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Residents are asked to reduce unnecessary water use by taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, limiting lawn and landscape irrigation, using water-efficient fixtures and appliances when possible and finding other ways to conserve water both indoors and outdoors.
"Our grass has been dead since April because we've been so far behind in water," said Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe. "So not only can people save money by reducing their water use right now, but it's also helping us to replenish the reservoir so that we don't get into a position where we're having to do more mandatory types of action."
The Burlington and Elon areas are approximately 9.32 inches below their typical annual rainfall, contributing to growing drought concerns, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The site also predicts that 2026 is on track to be the second-driest year in the past 132 years.
According to John Vernon, public information specialist for the City of Burlington, the city's reservoirs recently fell below 75% of capacity, triggering the Stage 1 conservation declaration. City officials also considered the area's drought classification when making the decision.
The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes drought conditions into five levels based on severity, ranging from D0, or abnormally dry, to D4, or exceptional drought. Elon and Burlington are currently classified as being in D4, the most severe category.
Vernon told ENN that the city expects to remain under voluntary water conservation measures for about 230 days based on current conditions. However, he said he expects Burlington to move to Stage 2 restrictions during the City Council's Aug. 3 meeting after officials review updated water conditions.
If approved, Stage 2 would introduce moderate mandatory restrictions, including designated watering times for lawns and gardens and limits on refilling swimming pools.
"Being conscientious about your water usage is very important. So I think that's going to be what we outlined as our measures," Vernon said. "People should follow them, and we will be able to get through this until we have some significant rainfall too, to boost our levels."