Drought Resources

Voluntary Water Conservation Effective Nov. 2, 2026

Charlotte Water is moving to Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) Stage 1, effective November 2, 2026. Under Stage 1, water conservation is voluntary. The change reflects improving conditions across the Catawba-Wateree River Basin and a regional decision to ease water-use restrictions.

Every drop counted. Thanks to Charlotte’s conservation efforts, customers helped meet regional water-use reduction goals and helped the region reach this point. Customers are no longer required to follow mandatory restrictions but are encouraged to continue conserving water, reducing non-essential use and avoiding waste. The restrictions may be changing, but conservation is always in season.

Drought Dashboard

Enforcement Statistics

As of 10/29/2026:

Total Violations Reported: 2,939
Total Violations: 415
Total Variances Received: 553
Total Variances Approved: 258
Total Appeals Received: 36

Water Savings

Stage 2 Goal: 5% - 10%

As of 10/30/2026:

Reduction from baseline: 12.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a variance during LIP Stage 1?

No. All conservation measures during Voluntary Water Conservation are voluntary, so customers do not need a variance. Customers are encouraged to conserve water and follow the recommended conservation practices.

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.