Charlotte-area residents will face mandatory water restrictions starting Friday as worsening drought conditions continue shrinking lakes and straining the region’s water supply.
Charlotte Water is implementing Stage 2 restrictions under its Low Inflow Protocol, limiting non-essential water use across the region.
The drought is already taking a visible toll on Lake Norman, where falling water levels are exposing shorelines, tree stumps, rocks, and debris normally hidden underwater.
According to Duke Energy, Lake Norman is now roughly 5.5 feet under full pool. Some boat ramps have already closed because the water is too shallow.
Officials say the lower lake levels are being maintained to help protect drinking water supplies for the nearly 2 million people who rely on the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Beginning Friday, lawn watering will only be allowed twice per week:
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
- Watering only before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Additional restrictions include:
- No washing vehicles at home
- No filling residential swimming pools
- No non-essential power washing
- No decorative water features without aquatic life
- No charity or fundraising car washes
Residents may still hand-water plants, use drip irrigation, and visit commercial car washes.
Boating companies around Lake Norman are also warning renters to use extra caution due to submerged hazards now sitting much closer to the surface.
With summer approaching and drought conditions expected to continue, officials say conserving water now is critical to avoiding even stricter restrictions later.
