Statesville to enforce fines for water-use violations as extreme drought grips region
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) — Statesville residents and businesses will soon feel the ongoing drought in their wallets as the city announces major fines for water-use violations.
Officials said the city will begin issuing fines for water-use violations starting 8 a.m. Monday, May 4.
Fines start at $200 and can reach up to $600 for repeat offenses. Even if conditions improve to a Stage 2 “moderate drought,” violations would still carry fines starting at $100.
Statesville officials announced the water restrictions on Friday, April 24, as the city remained under Stage 3 “extreme drought” conditions.
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Breakdown: Fines for violations
Current: Stage 3 (Extreme Drought)
- First violation: $200
- Second violation: $400
- Third and subsequent violations: $600
Stage 2 (Moderate Drought) — if conditions improve
- First violation: $100
- Second violation: $200
- Third and subsequent violations: $300
The water-use fines are authorized under the city’s water shortage ordinances and response plans.
Officials said the move follows a drought advisory from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council and the creation of Statesville’s Water Shortage Leadership Team.
It is unclear if other cities will follow suit as the extreme drought stretches beyond Iredell County into parts of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union counties.
WBTV meteorologist Al Conklin said “outside the Charlotte area, extreme drought conditions are impacting about 40% of the Carolinas.”
Statewide maps show North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have seen record-dry conditions since September 2025, based on records dating back to 1895.
Read more: Charlotte region sees driest 6-month stretch since 1971, officials say