Due to extended dry weather and below-average rainfall, York County Utilities has entered Stage 2 of its water conservation plan and is implementing mandatory water use restrictions. York County received about half of the average rain total so far in 2026.
On May 01, 2026, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) announced that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has entered Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) due to extremely dry conditions that have persisted for months.
Water restrictions are necessary as drought conditions continue, to protect our water system and ensure reliable service for essential needs. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group uses data, including river and lake levels, stream levels feeding the river, and the U.S. Drought Monitor to determine drought stages. The group reviews data every other week to monitor conditions. You can learn more here.
Stage 2 triggers mandatory conservation measures forpublic water utilities and major water users. York County is asking both residential AND commercial customers to reduce non-essential water use. The County’s goal is a reduction of water by 5 -10 percent.
For a full list of water use restrictions and conservation recommendations, visit www.yorkcountygov.com/drought. These conservation measures are critical to protecting the local water supply and reducing the risk of further restrictions under Stage 3 drought conditions.
York County staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
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