Mandatory water restrictions coming to Charlotte amid drought
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The Catawba River at Kevin Loftin Park in Belmont in October (left) compared to April 23. Photos: Courtesy of Lindsey Demilio
Charlotte Water will implement mandatory water restrictions on May 15 due to North Carolina's ongoing drought.
Why it matters: More than 90% of Mecklenburg County is experiencing an extreme drought and more than 9% of the county is experiencing an exceptional drought. These conditions could affect crops and livestock at farms across the state.
By the numbers: This is Mecklenburg County's fifth-driest March on record, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- This is also the county's driest year to date (January–March). The county is down 6.87 inches from normal.
Context: The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group, which includes Charlotte Water, uses Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) to reduce water use during low inflows into the Catawba River basin.
- LIP stages include: watch, voluntary reductions, mandatory reductions, extreme and emergency. Stage updates are provided on the first and 16th of the month.
How it works: Nonessential water restrictions to help protect the region's water supply include:
- Irrigate lawns and landscapes no more than two days per week, from 6pm to 6am (Tuesdays and Saturdays for odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for even-numbered addresses).
- Residential swimming pools may be topped off on Thursdays and Sundays, between 6pm and 6am. You may not completely fill an empty swimming pool.
- You may not wash your vehicle at home, but you may use a commercial car wash.
- Water features that do not support aquatic life may not be used.
- Do not power-wash surfaces.
- Save car wash fundraisers for after the drought.
Charlotte Water is also asking residents to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, limit watering your lawn (1 inch of water per week) and to fix any water leaks.
- Residents may use drip irrigation soaker hoses, or hand-water plants and landscaping.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's burn ban goes into effect Monday, May 4, to reduce the risk of fires. Prohibited activities at parks and facilities include:
- Use of grills (charcoal, gas or propane grills)
- Open flames (firepits, campfires or bonfires)
- Tiki torches, candles or anything else that produces a flame