Charlotte Area Drought Conditions Worsen; Officials Won't Increase Restrictions Yet

The Charlotte area is losing ground in its battle against the drought.

Charlotte is actually drier this year than it was at this point last year. Even worse, the area may not see rain for a few days and temperatures are climbing into the 90s, so water will start evaporating.

Many residents said they’re well aware they could see more water restrictions. Charlotte resident Brian Coffey said, "[I] just wish I could wash my car. If we need the water to keep the lakes full and keep drinking water, restrict it. They should restrict it."

But officials with Duke Energy and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department aren't worried. They said they don't think more water restrictions are needed just yet.

Duke Energy Spokeswoman Marilyn Lineberger said, "At the end of May, we had our meeting and we reviewed the one-day-a-week watering (policy) and the entire group agreed to continue with that for another 30 days."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Spokesman Vic Simpson said, "We're talking. We're making adjustments as we go. But, generally, we're going to follow the same process."

Last year, officials took heat for not acting sooner.