Mandatory water restrictions across the Charlotte area go into effect on Friday, May 15.

Officials said the city will implement Stage 2 mandatory restrictions under the regional “Low Inflow Protocol.”

This means that water coming from the Catawba River is getting limited, so residents need to step in and help.

“These restrictions are necessary to protect our water system and ensure reliable service for essential needs as drought conditions continue,” Charlotte Water says. “We need customers to reduce non-essential water use now and conserve water indoors and outdoors.”

The restrictions are designed to reduce non-essential water while also preserving the city’s water supply during these dry conditions.

Here is what to know about the restrictions:

Outdoor Watering Schedule

• All customer lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to two days per week:
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
  • Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
• Outdoor watering can only be used before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and should be limited to no more than one inch per week, including rainfall. Hand watering and drip irrigation for plants and gardens are allowed.

Additional Restrictions

• No residential, discretionary vehicle washing at home. Commercial car washes are allowed
• No filling residential swimming pools. Pool top-offs allowed only Thursdays and Sundays before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• No operating of decorative water features that do not support aquatic animal life
• No non-essential, discretionary power washing. Power washing may still be allowed if performed by a licensed business.

The Drought Management Advisory Group will review data every other week and will provide updates on the restrictions as the conditions change.

Residents that violate the restrictions could face a fine. Those start at $100.

This is the first time Charlotte Water implemented mandatory restrictions since 2007-2009.

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