Charlotte is moving into mandatory water restrictions as drought conditions worsen and recent rainfall falls far short of what the region needs. Officials warn a hot, dry summer is ahead, increasing pressure on already strained water supplies.
Charlotte Water will officially implement Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 beginning May 15, requiring residents to cut back on non-essential water use. At the same time, Charlotte Fire has issued an immediate burn ban due to dry conditions.
Charlotte Water says the restrictions are necessary to protect the system and maintain reliable service. The measures align with other utilities across the Catawba River basin, where water levels continue to drop.
Under the new rules, lawn watering will be limited to two days per week. Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses are limited to Wednesdays and Sundays.
Watering is only allowed before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m., with a maximum of one inch per week including rainfall.
Additional restrictions go further. Residents cannot wash vehicles at home, fill swimming pools, or operate decorative water features without aquatic life. Limited pool top-offs are allowed during designated times.
Enforcement will also ramp up. Starting May 15, residents can report violations by calling 311 or submitting an online form. Charlotte Water says fines will begin at $100 for non-compliance.
Officials are urging both city water users and those on private wells to conserve. In some nearby areas, including parts of Belmont, river levels have already dropped significantly.
Charlotte Water says conditions will be reviewed every two weeks, but for now, the message is clear: reduce usage immediately.
For the Charlotte region, the early timing of these restrictions signals a potentially severe summer ahead, with conservation efforts now critical to protecting water supplies.
