Charlotte Relaxes Water Restrictions

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities customers are now allowed to water their lawns two days a week.

Charlotte’s city manager announced the decision around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday after the local drought management advisory group said the area has seen significant relief from recent rain. Other municipalities along the Catawba River Basin are also reconsidering their Stage 3 water restrictions.

Starting Thursday, Mecklenburg County residents with odd-numbered addresses can water their lawns, wash cars and fill fountains or pools on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Those with even-numbered addresses can water their lawns, wash cars and fill fountains or pools on Thursdays and Sundays.

The relaxed water restrictions will end on Nov. 30. The drought management advisory group said the amended restrictions are only temporary for the fall planting season, and Duke Energy data shows one extra day of water use at this time of year could help sustain new plant growth without significantly impacting current lake levels or downstream flow. The group said conditions must meet all four criteria of Stage 2 conditions before restrictions are officially reduced.

Charlotte utility officials said restrictions enforcement will continue and the county will go back to one day per week water use if drought or water supply conditions worsen.

Mecklenburg County remains in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Drought Monitor. A small portion of the Catawba River Basin remains in a severe drought.

Catawba County and Hickory plan to meet Thursday to discuss possible changes. Cabarrus County made changes on Sept. 13 to allow weekend water and officials said they believe they are already in line with the advisory council’s recommendations.