CONCORD, N.C. -- Following Mecklenburg County’s announcement that water restrictions are being strengthened, Concord and Kannapolis have decided to implement tougher water restrictions also.

City managers and town administrators announced that on Thursday level three water restrictions will go into effect for Concord, Kannapolis, Landis and Harrisburg. The restrictions are meant to cut water usage in each water system by 20 percent.

Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, residents are banned from watering their lawns in any way. They can use handheld containers to water ornamental plants, trees, and gardens. Handheld hoses with spring-loaded nozzles may be used to fill containers but not for irrigation purposes. Officials said residents should put off planting new plants or seeding lawns until the drought conditions ease.

The use of water to fill pools or run ornamental fountains is also prohibited.

Commercial uses of water, such as commercial car washes and watering plants at nurseries, will not be affected by the restrictions.

All other previously implemented water restrictions still apply.

Anyone who violates the restrictions could be fined $100 or more.