CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Water is implementing Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2, introducing mandatory water restrictions for its customers.
These restrictions will be effective May 15 due to ongoing drought conditions, aiming to protect the water system and ensure reliable service.
Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 means that water coming from the Catawba River is getting limited, so citizens must chip in to help.
The mandatory restrictions are necessary to protect the water system and ensure reliable service for essential needs.
Charlotte Water customers must reduce non-essential water use and conserve water both indoors and outdoors.
Charlotte Water is coordinating with all water users across the Catawba River basin during this period.
Drought stages are determined by several factors, including river and lake levels, the levels of streams feeding into the river, and information from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Duke Energy won’t move much water through its hydroelectric dams, which means it will produce less energy and stop recreational water releases. This keeps lakes higher on the weekends to support boating.
This level of drought has not occurred since 2007-2008, when the area reached Stage 3 of the low-inflow protocol for 400 days.
Charlotte Water released the following guidelines that go into effect on May 15.
Outdoor Watering Schedule
- Lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to two days per week:
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
- Water only before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Limit watering to no more than one inch per week, including rainfall.
Additional Restrictions
- No washing vehicles at home
- Commercial car washes are allowed
- No filling residential swimming pools
- Pool top-offs allowed only on Thursdays and Sundays before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- No operation of decorative water features that do not support aquatic animal life
- Hand watering and drip irrigation for plants and gardens are allowed