Winston-Salem keeps voluntary water conservation request in place amid dry conditions

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities is continuing to ask customers to conserve water voluntarily as the city and surrounding county monitor increasingly dry conditions.

The utility’s Stage 1 conservation request took effect July 7, 2026. The city’s guidance asks residents and businesses to limit lawn and landscape watering to no more than one hour per day, and to water only before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. when evaporation is lower.

Other recommendations include fixing leaks promptly, taking showers of five minutes or less, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, reducing vehicle washing and avoiding hosing down sidewalks, driveways and patios. The city also asks customers to delay filling swimming or wading pools unless necessary.

Utilities says the drinking-water supply remains strong while staff monitor drought conditions in the Yadkin River basin, system demand, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir levels and Yadkin River flows. The notice says additional restrictions could be announced if more triggers are met. Residents can follow city utility alerts or contact CityLink at 311, (336) 727-8000 or 855-481-LINK.

Source: Reporting is based on the City of Winston-Salem’s July 8, 2026 water-conservation notice and Utilities alert listing, checked Aug. 13, 2026. The accompanying image is an original AI-generated illustrative image of household water-saving practices; it does not depict a specific property or documentary scene.