Water Shortage Response

PWC Activates Stage 1 (Alert) Water Conservation Measures

PWC has activated Stage 1 (Alert) of the City of Fayetteville’s Water Shortage Response Ordinance effective immediately. Stage 1 is voluntary and asks customers to reduce non-essential water use to help protect the community’s water supply for drinking, sanitation, and fire protection.

During Stage 1, customers are encouraged to do the following:

Limit outdoor watering
Avoid washing vehicles, equipment, and hard surfaces
Delay filling or refilling pools, ponds, and fountains
Avoid non-essential fire hydrant use
Do not use treated water for dust control or compaction

Nurseries may continue to water plants as needed.

“Small conservation steps made by many can make a big difference,” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC. “These voluntary measures help save the water supply for essential needs like drinking water, sanitation, and fire protection while PWC continues to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service to the community.

Water shortage conditions are managed in defined stages, with conservation measures increasing if conditions worsen and easing step-by-step if conditions improve.

The ordinance restrictions apply to treated water provided by PWC. Well water use is allowed during all stages.

How Water Shortage Stages Work

Water shortage conditions are managed in four stages. Restrictions become more stringent as conditions worsen and may be reduced gradually as conditions improve.

Important Notes for Customers

Water shortage restrictions apply to treated water provided by PWC. Use of well water is allowed during all stages.
Customers who use well water exclusively may request a PWC‑provided sign or sticker to help prevent enforcement errors.
Some customers may qualify for a temporary variance from restrictions due to unique circumstances. Variance requests must be submitted in writing and approved by PWC.

Media Contact:
Lamont Hinson 
Community Relations Specialist 
Lamont.Hinson@FayPWC.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 7, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions – Water Restrictions

General FAQ

Why are water restrictions needed?

When conditions exist such that PWC treated water supplies cannot meet customer demands and serious treated water shortages exist, the City of Fayetteville’s Water Shortage Response Ordinance authorizes PWC and the City to set water restrictions. Conditions contributing to a water shortage may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Water supplies are below the level necessary to meet needs;
Water quality has been threatened due to a contamination situation;
Power outages or equipment malfunction at treatment facilities;
Peak customer demands on the water system;
Inability to maintain adequate pressure and/or water supply throughout every portion of the PWC water distribution system;
Natural disasters.

What is the City of Fayetteville’s Water Shortage Response Ordinance?

Fayetteville’s Water Shortage Response Ordinance is part of the City’s Code of Ordinances. You can read the full ordinance here: https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/fayetteville-nc/.

Is this the first time Fayetteville has ever imposed restrictions?

No, water restrictions have been implemented three times previously, most recently in 2016:

July-October 2002: Mandatory Restrictions (Drought)
October 2007-May 2008: Mandatory Restrictions (Drought)
October 8-12, 2016: Stage IV Water Shortage Crisis (Hurricane Matthew)
July 7, 2026: Stage 1 (Drought)

What does essential water use mean?

Essential water use means the following:

Sustains normal life and lives of domestic pets, maintains minimum standards of hygiene and sanitation.
Patient care and rehabilitation.
Firefighting.
Health and public protection purposes.

What does non-essential water use mean?

If water isn’t necessary for drinking, sanitation, medical care, or fire protection, it is considered non‑essential. Common examples include outdoor watering, washing vehicles or hard surfaces, filling pools or decorative water features, and using treated water for dust control or other discretionary purposes.

Are water restrictions voluntary or mandatory?

The Water Shortage Response Ordinance defines four stages. Stage 1 is voluntary. Stages 2-4 are mandatory.

What will happen if we don’t reduce our water use?

If overall water use isn’t reduced, it will be necessary to impose stricter measures that may eliminate outdoor water use altogether.

Stage 1 – Water Shortage Alert

When do Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions go into effect?

Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions began July 7, 2026 and remain in effect until further notice.

How long will Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions be in effect?

Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

Are water restrictions voluntary or mandatory in Stage 1?

Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Response Ordinance is defined as Water Shortage Alert and includes voluntary restrictions. All water customers should voluntarily limit the following water use where possible:

Outdoor watering.
Washing all vehicles/mobile equipment.
Washing outside areas.
Introduction of water into any pond, ornamental fountain, pool, or other structure.
Use of fire hydrants for purposes other than fire suppression.
Use of treated water for dust control or compaction.

Who is required to follow the Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions?

All PWC water customers are encouraged to voluntarily limit water use under Stage 1 of the water restrictions. PWC provides water service to 250,000 people throughout Cumberland County, including Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Eastover, Ft. Bragg, and a small section of Hoke County.

What happens if I don’t comply with the Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions?

There are no penalties for not voluntarily limiting water use during Stage 1 of the water restrictions. However, it may be necessary for PWC to impose mandatory water restrictions if significant amounts of water are not saved during Stage 1.

Am I allowed to water my lawn in Stage 1?

Yes, but… you are allowed to water your lawn during Stage 1. PWC’s year-round odd/even watering schedules for automatic irrigation systems are still in effect.

If your address ends in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9), water your lawn only on Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday.
If your address ends in an even number (0,2,4,6,8), water only on Monday, Wednesday, & Saturday.
Hand watering is allowed any day.

Am I allowed to water my lawn with a hose instead of an irrigation system in Stage 1?

Yes, hand watering is allowed any day of the week in Stage 1. However, the purpose of the restrictions is to reduce the amount of water used. Please be responsible with your water use. If overall use is not reduced, it will be necessary to impose stricter measures which could eliminate outdoor water use all together.

Is there a certain time of day I am allowed to water my lawn in Stage 1?

No, there is no time of day guideline to water your lawn in Stage 1. However, it is recommended to water early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the hottest times of the day. The heat of the day increases the evaporation of the water and your lawn and flowers get less benefit from the water.

Is there a time limit on how long I can water my lawn in Stage 1?

No, there is no time limit on how long you can water your lawn in Stage 1. Best practice is to aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. However, the purpose of the restrictions is to reduce the amount of water used. Please be responsible with your water use. If overall use is not reduced, it will be necessary to impose stricter measures which could eliminate outdoor water use all together.

I use a well for irrigation. Do the Stage 1 water restrictions apply to me?

PWC cannot regulate use of well water. PWC can provide you a “well water” sticker that can be posted on your property so officials know you are using a well.

Can I wash my car in Stage 1?

Washing of vehicles at home should be limited in Stage 1. Commercial car washes are a good option because they use water-recycling and water-minimizing systems.

I saw water pouring out of a fire hydrant. Isn’t that wasting water?

For various reasons, PWC may have to open fire hydrants to flush water lines to address discoloration or water quality issues.

Can I fill my pool in Stage 1?

Under Stage 1, filling swimming pools is still permitted, but water customers should voluntarily limit water use where possible.

Do these Stage 1 water restrictions apply to my business?

Yes, these Stage 1 water restrictions apply to all PWC water customers. PWC asks businesses that are permitted to use water to set good examples for the community by being water wise.

I have a pressure-washing business. Will this affect my business?

Commercial pressure washing is allowed in Stage 1. PWC asks businesses that are permitted to use water to set good examples for the community by being water wise.

My organization has a car washing fundraiser planned. Will the Stage 1 water restrictions interfere with our plans?

Car washing fundraisers are not prohibited in Stage 1, but you should reconsider your event to help reduce usage.