In alignment with regional partners, Charlotte Water will implement Mandatory Water Restrictions (Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2) beginning Friday, May 15, 2026, due to ongoing dry conditions. Charlotte Fire implemented a burn ban effective immediately.
Mandatory Water Restrictions
Charlotte Water asks all customers to adhere to the following mandatory conservation actions to help protect the region’s water supply:
- Irrigate lawns and landscapes no more than two days per week, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
- Residential swimming pools may be topped off only on Thursdays and Sundays, 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 include:
- Reduce indoor and outdoor water use
- Water lawns with no more than one inch of water per week (including rainfall)
- Identify and repair water leaks as quickly as possible
Charlotte Water customers are permitted to:
- Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or hand-water plants and landscaping
- Use commercial car wash facilities
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.
For more information, drought updates and water conservation tips, visit charlottewater.org, as well as additional information about regional coordination through the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group.
Charlotte Fire Marshal Issues Burn Ban
In response to the statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service, the Charlotte Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing additional local restrictions to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of wildfire within city limits.
This burn ban remains in effect until further notice and applies to all areas within the City of Charlotte. Violations of the burn ban may result in a $100 fine and $183 in court costs. Individuals found responsible for a fire may also be held liable for the cost of firefighting efforts.
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