Last Updated on August 12, 2026 12:02 pm
BOONE, N.C. – August 12, 2026 – The Town of Boone will be lifting Stage 2 Water Restrictions, and will be implementing Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions effective August 12, 2026. Conditions have been met to lift Stage 2 Water Restrictions; however, the Town of Boone continues to urge Town of Boone water customers to practice water conservation measures.
Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions
Under Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions, residential and commercial Town of Boone water customers are asked to engage in the following, pursuant to Town of Boone Town Code § 50.308:
- Reusing water whenever possible unless the reuse is prohibited under this code (e.g., black water or grey water);
- Minimizing vehicle washing;
- Limiting lawn, garden and plant watering to the minimum necessary for the vegetation to survive;
- Minimizing use of potable water to wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays or aprons and the like;
- Refraining from allowing faucets to run while shaving or rinsing dishes;
- Limiting the use of washing machines and dishwashers and when used, operating only fully loaded;
- Taking showers instead of baths and limiting showers to no more than four minutes;
- Avoiding flushing toilets with each single use;
- Using flow restrictive and water saving devices as much as possible;
- Limiting hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners; and
- Taking all other measures which the customer or Director recognizes will conserve water use.
While Stage 2 Water Restrictions have been lifted, Watauga County as a whole is still in a D1 (Moderate Drought), as of August 6, 2026. As such, Town of Boone water customers are encouraged to continue conserving water during this time.
For additional information regarding the Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions, please contact the Town of Boone Public Utilities Department at (828) 268-6250 or visit www.boonenc.gov/publicworks.
The Town of Boone is a full-service municipal government located in the heart of North Carolina's High Country and serves as the county seat of Watauga County. The Town provides essential services, including public safety, public works, planning, and cultural programming for residents, businesses, and visitors. Known for its vibrant downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong sense of community, Boone is committed to responsive and transparent local governance while preserving the character that makes the town a unique place to live, work, and visit.
