Raleigh water usage was up as Falls Lake water levels continue to fall during drought

Raleigh water customers used about two million gallons of water more last week amid an ongoing drought and citywide restrictions. Last week Raleigh water customers on average used about 61.9 gallons of water per day, which is up from 59.7 million gallons of water used the week before.

Falls Lake water levels continue to fall as central North Carolina stays in a severe drought. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported Tuesday that Falls Lake is now 4.4 feet below lake level, taking the water supply to 72%. That's down from 74% last week.

Stage 1 water restrictions -- meant to protect the water supply while still giving residents options to care for their homes and landscaping -- were implemented on April 20 when Falls Lake's water supply hit 85%. 

Here’s what to know about Stage 1 water restrictions:

• Automatic and non-automatic spray irrigation is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m. 
• Homes with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays. 
• Homes with even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays. 
• Irrigation of landscapes is recommended at a maximum of one-half inch per week. 
• Water customers must abide by required water use reductions and efficiency measures; penalties apply for noncompliance. 

Falls Lake water level has to reach 60% for further water restrictions to be implemented.