County manager to declare stage‑one drought; voluntary conservation urged

County Manager Brian Matthews informed the board that the regional water‑management authority covering the Kataba and Yadkin basins had declared a stage‑one drought and that he would formally declare stage one for Union County on April 21. Matthews said the county’s permit and regional coordination require the local declaration once the regional trigger is met.

Matthews outlined voluntary conservation guidance, asking residents to reduce water use by approximately 3–5%, especially by curbing irrigation. He said required communications would include website updates, press releases, bill inserts and internal notices to county employees. The manager cautioned that stage two — which carries mandatory restrictions and potential rate changes — could be declared soon if indicators do not improve, and he planned to return to the board with more details about stage‑two requirements at the May 4 meeting.

Matthews also noted the county participates in planning across state lines because the watershed spans North and South Carolina and called the drought a regional concern that may worsen without significant rainfall.