MONROE, N.C. — Union County is implementing Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Response Plan due to worsening drought conditions across the southeastern United States.
In coordination with regional partners in the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG), County Manager Brian Matthews has directed staff to move from Stage 0 to Stage 1, effective today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
“We’ve been monitoring drought conditions with the hope that the spring season would bring much-needed rainfall, but conditions continue to worsen not only here in North Carolina, but throughout the southeastern United States,” said Brian Matthews, County Manager. “It’s important that all customers remain mindful of the need to conserve water, particularly during extended periods of drought.”
The last time Union County implemented Stage 1 conditions was in 2023.
Union County practices water conservation year-round, and water use restrictions for residential customers remain the same under both Stage 0 and Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Response Plan. Customers must limit irrigation to three days per week in accordance with the schedule available at UnionConserves.com. Residents are encouraged to remain mindful of their water usage and prepare for the possibility of additional restrictions if drought conditions persist.
Stage 1 includes one additional mandatory requirement for commercial and industrial customers: water withdrawn from County hydrants must not be transported outside of Union County for any use other than emergency fire protection or bona fide farm use. Hydrant water may only be accessed through the County’s Bulk Water Program.
Union County Water urges all customers to take action now by adopting the following voluntary conservation measures:
- Install flow-restrictive, water-saving devices.
- Turn off faucets while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Take shorter showers instead of baths when possible.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Repair leaks in faucets, toilets and other equipment promptly.
- Reuse household water for plants when possible.
More water conservation tips and a video to help you find and repair leaks in your home are on UnionConserves.com.
As drought conditions may change, customers are encouraged to visit our website to view the current stage of water restrictions for details and any associated restrictions.
Union County water restrictions apply only to customers served by Union County Water. Some residents receive water from private wells or municipal systems and should consult their provider for applicable restrictions. County regulations do not apply to private well water.
Continued dry conditions could require the County to implement Stage 2 water restrictions, which last occurred in 2009.
Also effective Tuesday, The Town of Harrisburg is asking all its water customers to voluntarily conserve water. Harrisburg Public Works Director Jonathan Young said conservation is encouraged as part of a shared responsibility to the community and neighboring jurisdictions.
Our area is experiencing extreme drought conditions, which have affected Lake Howell, the primary water source for Cabarrus County. It is currently 11 inches below full,” Young said.
Harrisburg, located in the Rocky River Basin, receives its water through a regional system operated by the City of Concord in coordination with the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC). This arrangement is made possible through a North Carolina-approved inter-basin transfer agreement. The City of Concord asked its residents to begin voluntary water conservation efforts at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 17.
Harrisburg water customers can limit their water use by following these guidelines:
- Inspect toilets and faucets and repair any leaks promptly.
- Take shorter showers instead of taking baths. If a bath is necessary, reduce the water level by 1-2 inches.
- Avoid running the water continuously while shaving, brushing your teeth, washing your face, washing dishes by hand, and cleaning or cutting vegetables and fruit.
- Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
- Avoid watering lawns and gardens during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or early evening is recommended.
- Limit vehicle washing at home. Use commercial car washes that recycle water.
Water customers are also encouraged to ensure home irrigation systems are properly adjusted for efficient water use. Additional water conservation may be achieved by limiting outdoor irrigation to designated days.
If drought conditions continue to worsen, mandatory water restrictions may be implemented. Customers are recommended to monitor drought conditions through the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (NCdrought.org).
Iredell County began water restrictions on Monday, April 20 – the first in the region to do so, and Charlotte Water has requested customers to voluntarily restrict water use.
