Raleigh, North Carolina, is proactively addressing a severe drought by implementing Stage 1 water restrictions, set to begin on April 20, 2026. This decision comes in response to the drought's impact on the Falls Lake and Swift Creek watersheds, which are critical water sources for the city. Despite the severity of the drought, Raleigh's drinking water supply remains relatively stable, with Falls Lake currently holding 84% of its capacity. The city also benefits from secondary water sources at Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler, both of which are near full capacity, providing additional resilience against the drought.