Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville residents still face mandatory water restrictions, even after recent heavy rainfall.

Charlotte Water announced Oct. 15 that Stage 2 restrictions remain in effect for all customers because the six-month average streamflow in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is still below normal. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG) sets drought-stage conditions for the region. The group found that while reservoir levels and U.S. Drought Monitor conditions have improved, streamflow still reflects the area's prolonged dry period.

Streamflow recovers more slowly after individual rain events, Charlotte Water said. The restrictions have been in place since May 15.

What residents need to know

Under Stage 2, outdoor watering is limited to two assigned days per week, overnight only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses may water Tuesday and Saturday evenings. Even-numbered addresses may water Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

The rules also limit residential car washing, pool filling and decorative water features. Hand watering and drip irrigation for plants and gardens are still allowed. Pool top-offs are permitted Thursdays and Sundays, before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Fines start at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second and $300 for a third for 5/8-inch to 1-inch meters.

Why rain hasn't been enough

The DMAG evaluates three factors when setting drought stages: lake and reservoir levels, U.S. Drought Monitor conditions and six-month average streamflow. Two of those three have improved. Streamflow has not.

Jimmy Bagley, chair of the DMAG, told Queen City News on Aug. 14 that the Catawba-Wateree basin was running 8 to 10 inches below its normal annual rainfall total despite summer storms that boosted reservoir levels. "We are a very rain-dependent system," Bagley said at the time.

As of that Aug. 14 report, overall water usage across the Charlotte Water system had dropped 20%, well above the utility's initial 5% to 10% reduction target. Charlotte Water had received 1,917 suspected violation reports and issued more than 300 citations.

The last time Charlotte Water imposed mandatory restrictions was during the 2007-2009 drought.

What's next

Charlotte Water has not announced a timeline for lifting restrictions. Bagley said in August that the region probably would not be fully out of drought conditions until late winter or early spring 2027. Residents can report suspected violations by calling 311 or 704-336-7600.