Wilson is continuing to suffer from one of the driest periods in recorded history, with all of Wilson County currently experiencing an extreme drought—the fourth highest of five levels. Over the past 90 days, we’ve received only a third of the average precipitation for our area. According to the National Weather Service, there are no clear signals for drought improvement through the summer months.

The City of Wilson has a Water Shortage Response Plan in place for times like this. The plan outlines phases of water restrictions based on our water supply capacity. Because Buckhorn Reservoir is our primary water supply—providing nearly 95 percent of Wilson’s raw water—its depth is used as the trigger for conservation measures.

Buckhorn is currently four feet below capacity, triggering a Stage I Response with voluntary reductions. The goal of Stage I is a 5 percent reduction in water demand systemwide. These voluntary reductions will take effect on Monday, June 29, 2026, and will remain in place until Wilson receives significant rainfall or Buckhorn's capacity drops further, triggering more serious restrictions.

We understand this is new for most Wilson residents. Since the completion of the expanded Buckhorn Reservoir in 1999, Wilson has rarely had to ask for water reductions. The last time we faced a drought this severe was nearly 20 years ago.

While the city is asking everyone to reduce water use during this time, we are taking significant steps to reduce municipal water consumption, too.

What We Are Asking You to Do

Inside Your Home:

• Take showers rather than baths when possible, and limit shower time to five minutes.
• Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Use the dishwasher rather than handwashing dishes. If you must handwash, fill a basin instead of letting the water run.
• Make sure dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before running them.

Outside Your Home:

• Delay new landscaping and seeding until the drought passes.
• Limit existing lawn watering to the bare minimum necessary for plants to survive.
• Water shrubbery minimally, reusing household water where possible.
• Limit home car washing, or use a commercial car wash that recycles its water.
• Avoid washing down outside areas like sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
• Do not use hoses or sprinklers for recreational play.

What the City Is Doing

• Reducing irrigation at city facilities and parks by 20 percent and shifting watering schedules overnight to minimize evaporation.
• Suspending routine fire hydrant flushing; hydrant water will strictly be reserved for firefighting and water quality concerns.
• Minimizing the washing of city vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Utilizing existing reclaimed water systems at Wedgewood Golf Course, Gillette Athletic Complex, Toisnot Park softball fields, and the Rose Garden.
• Limiting irrigation exclusively to protect major public investments at critical locations, including Wilson Ballpark, Freeman Roundhouse, and downtown tree wells. These areas have newly established landscaping that would require significant funds to replace if lost.
• Applying minimal irrigation at the Lake Wilson dam specifically to prevent erosion on the newly constructed slope.

Note on Public Facilities: The splash pad at Gillette Athletic Complex will remain open because it uses a recirculating system that minimizes water loss. City pools will also remain open to provide residents a place to cool off.

We will continue to monitor water levels daily. We appreciate your support and efforts to preserve Wilson’s water supply until this drought breaks.