Raleigh could impose tougher water restrictions sooner

Zoom in: Even with the restrictions, demand rose 3% year-over-year in May and 8% in June, per Raleigh Water.

• The increase is largely driven by irrigation on hot, dry days, according to a report the agency prepared for City Council on Tuesday.

By the numbers: The water supply in Falls Lake is at 62% and has been declining 2-3 percentage points per week.

Driving the news: City Council gave the city manager permission on Tuesday to step up to Stage 2 water restrictions before the supply drops to 45%, the original trigger in city code.

• "That 45% was based on a downward reduction of demand, which we have not seen," city environmental coordinator Ed Buchan said. "We want to get out ahead of this."

What's next: If Raleigh moves to Stage 2 water restrictions, no commercial or residential spray irrigation will be allowed. Athletic fields could only be irrigated once a week.