Johnston County Requests Voluntary Water Conservation As Drought Persists

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Johnston County officials are asking residents and businesses served by the county water system to voluntarily reduce water usage as drought conditions continue.

The request comes as low river levels affect Johnston County’s primary water supply, prompting officials to encourage customers to conserve water whenever possible.

County leaders said the voluntary conservation effort is intended to help preserve available water resources while ensuring there is adequate capacity to meet essential needs, including drinking water, healthcare services, emergency response operations, and fire protection.

Residents are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce water consumption, such as limiting outdoor watering, washing vehicles less frequently, repairing leaks, and avoiding unnecessary water use.

While the county is not imposing additional restrictions at this time, officials noted that Johnston County’s year-round outdoor watering regulations remain in effect.

Under the county’s permanent conservation policy, in-ground irrigation systems, hose-end sprinklers, and swimming pool filling activities must follow an alternate-day schedule based on street address.

Properties with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Properties with even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Outdoor irrigation is prohibited on Mondays for all addresses.

Swimming pools may only be filled on the designated watering days assigned to the property.

County officials said voluntary conservation efforts now could help avoid the need for more restrictive measures if drought conditions worsen later this summer.