Mecklenburg County mandatory water-use restrictions begin this week: What to know

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) — Mandatory water-use restrictions for Mecklenburg County go into effect later this week as drought conditions continue across the state.

Stage 2 mandatory water-use restrictions goes into effect on Friday, May 15, for Mecklenburg County.

Officials with Charlotte Water announced the water restrictions on Friday, May 1, after the region’s worsening drought triggered a stage 2 declaration under the protocol.

Also read —> Over a dozen Charlotte-area municipalities under mandatory water restrictions: List here

Mandatory restrictions

• Outdoor watering
  • Water lawns, landscapes no more than twice a week
  • Only water between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Even numbered addresses on Tuesday and Saturday
  • Odd numbered addresses on Wednesday and Sunday
• Residential swimming pools (topping off only)
  • May be topped off Thursdays and Sundays only
  • Between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Customers may not
  • Wash vehicles at home
  • Fill residential swimming pools
  • Operate water features that do not support aquatic life
  • Power wash surfaces for non-essential purposes
  • Hold charity or fundraising car wash events
• Additional recommended actions
  • Reduce indoor and outdoor water use
  • Water lawns with no more than one inch per week (including rainfall)
  • Identify and repair water leaks as quickly as possible
• Customers are permitted to
  • Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or hand-water plants/landscaping
  • Use commercial car wash facilities

What is the ‘Low Inflow Protocol’?

The “Low Inflow Protocol” establishes water-reduction measures during periods of low inflow to the Catawba-Wateree basin, which provides drinking water to more than two million people across 24 counties in North and South Carolina.

In Stage 2, Charlotte Water is asking residents to reduce non-essential water use to protect the region’s water supply, specifically from the Catawba-Wateree basin.

As of May 1, the basin entered Stage 2 of the five drought stages, triggering mandatory water restrictions instead of the previous voluntary restrictions.

The goal of Stage 2 is to reduce overall water use by 5% to 10% to preserve reservoir storage, sustain downstream flow needs, and maintain drinking water availability across the basin until conditions improve.

Also read —> Drought worsens across Charlotte region ‘exceptional’ drought declared in 4 counties