Charlotte Water coordinates regionally through the Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG). The DMAG uses river levels, stream levels and the US Drought Monitor data to determine which stage of drought action is required during periods of low inflow to the Catawba River.
The Low Inflow Protocol (LIP)has provisions for 5 stages: Watch, Voluntary Reductions, Mandatory Reductions, Extreme, and Emergency.
Watch
Charlotte Water participates in more frequent coordination with the DMAG
Additional data is collected
Voluntary
Reduction goal = 3% to 5%
Customers are asked to curb discretionary water uses
Customer conservation communication increases
Mandatory
Reduction goal = 5-10%
Customer discretionary water uses are restricted
Community & business uses arevoluntarily reduced
Enforcement and variances are implemented
Extreme & Emergency
Reduction goal = 10% - 20%
Discretionary, community and business water uses are restricted
Industries are asked to implement conservation plans
Essential water uses are maintained
Enforcement implemented; no variances allowed