Holden Beach’s straight‑to‑drain design prompts shutdown during Stage 2 conservation, while Oak Island’s recirculating system remains unaffected.
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC — As drought conditions intensify across southeastern North Carolina, Brunswick County municipalities are reviewing non‑essential water use, and splash pad operations are emerging as a key point of difference based on system design.
Holden Beach has closed its splash pad “until further notice,” citing worsening drought conditions and anticipated water‑use restrictions. Town officials confirmed the facility operates on a straight‑to‑drain, open‑loop system, which continuously draws fresh potable water and sends it directly to the drain. Open‑loop designs can use thousands of gallons per hour, making them significantly more water‑intensive during periods of limited supply.
Oak Island’s splash pad at Middleton Park remains open and operates on a closed‑loop recirculating system. Closed‑loop designs reuse and disinfect water, reducing consumption dramatically compared to open‑loop systems. The facility has not been included in any drought‑related restrictions or conservation guidance to date.
Brunswick County’s teetering Stage 2 mandatory conservation alert focuses on irrigation limits, peak‑hour reductions, and essential‑use prioritization. Splash pad operations are left to individual municipalities based on system design and water‑use impact.
With drought conditions persisting, Holden Beach’s closure underscores the operational differences between splash pad systems and the challenges faced by towns relying on open‑loop designs, while closed‑loop facilities such as Oak Island’s remain unaffected under current guidance.
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