Mandatory Water Restrictions Effective May 15
Charlotte Water is implementing Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) Stage 2 with mandatory water restrictions effective May 15 for Charlotte Water customers.
Mandatory restrictions in Stage 2 do not apply to essential, community and business uses. Some activities that are normally discretionary may still be allowed (e.g power washing) if performed as a licensed business or for community-serving functions.
Lawn Seeding and Aeration
Variances will not be approved for routine fall lawn maintenance, including aerating, overseeding or reseeding an existing lawn.
During mandatory water restrictions, customers should postpone these activities if they cannot be completed within the current watering restrictions. The seasonal timing of lawn maintenance does not qualify as a special circumstance for a variance.
Variances may still be considered on a case-by-case basis when watering is necessary to establish vegetation required for erosion control or to meet other applicable requirements.
Drought Dashboard
Enforcement Statistics
As of 9/25/2026:
- Total Violations Reported: 2,365
- Total Violations: 355
- Total Variances Received:471
- Total Variances Approved: 228
- Total Appeals Received: 32
Water Savings
Stage 2 Goal: 5% - 10%
As of 9/25/2026:
Reduction from baseline: 12.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between essential, community/business and discretionary water use?
Essential water use is required for public health and safety, such as hospitals and fire protection.
Community and business water use supports critical operations or provides community value, such as certain commercial activities or recreational facilities.
Discretionary water use includes optional activities like lawn watering, decorative fountains, and cosmetic cleaning.
Restrictions primarily target discretionary uses in Stage 2.
What types of water use are restricted right now?
Mandatory restrictions in Stage 2 focus on reducing discretionary water use, meaning activities that are not essential to health, safety, or critical business or community functions.
Examples of prohibited uses include:
- Residential, discretionary car washing
- Filling pools
- Operating ornamental fountains
- non-essential, discretionary power washing
Mandatory restrictions in Stage 2 do not apply to essential, community and business uses. Some activities that are normally discretionary may still be allowed if performed as licensed business or community-serving functions.
Why are restrictions being implemented now?
Conditions have reached a point where action is needed now to protect the system and maintain reliability.
How long will restrictions last?
It depends on conditions. The Drought Management Advisory Group reviews data every other week and updates will be provided as conditions change.
Do I need a variance?
You need a variance if:
- The activity is prohibited, and
- You believe it is necessary for health, safety, regulatory compliance, or critical business operations.
Can I water my flowers or garden?
Yes. Hand watering, soaker hoses and drip irrigation are allowed.
Can I wash my car at home?
No. Residential, discretionary vehicle washing at home is not allowed during Stage 2 restrictions. Commercial car washes are permitted.
Can a customer be disconnected for getting a citation?
Charlotte Water will follow the same non-payment process as it would any other time.
Can I use well water?
Yes, residents can use well water without restriction.
Mandatory water restrictions apply to municipal drinking water.
What is considered hand watering?
Hand watering means watering that is done by hand using simple tools, such as a garden hose, hose with a handheld nozzle, or a watering can. If you are holding the hose or watering can and controlling the water yourself, it is considered hand watering.
How does the odd-even watering schedule apply to HOAs and multi-family properties?
The odd-even watering schedule is based on the service address of the property. For large HOAs, apartment communities, and multi-family properties, irrigation must follow the odd or even schedule based on the service address associated with the water account.
Charlotte Water continuously monitors drought conditions and coordinates regionally through the Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG), which includes local governments, water utilities, and resource managers working collaboratively to protect shared water resources, including the Catawba River and its connected lakes. If drought conditions worsen, additional response measures may be considered in alignment with regional protocols.
The last time Charlotte Water implemented voluntary water restrictions was in 2023. The last time Charlotte Water implemented mandatory water restrictions was in 2007-2009.
Use this interactive leak map to view reported Charlotte Water leaks and repair activity across the service area. During drought conditions, quickly identifying and repairing leaks is an important part of protecting our water supply. Search by address to see nearby leaks and ongoing repair work in your area.