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As drought worsens, the city warns of potential $100 fines for failing to comply; first restrictions since 2009
A lot of sun and not enough rain are leading to mandatory water restrictions, announced Friday. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Charlotte Ledger)
by Tony Mecia
The city of Charlotte announced new restrictions on water use effective May 15, placing limits on watering lawns and banning washing cars at home.
The limits come as the region faces an increasingly severe drought. The new measures are intended to decrease water use by 5% to 10%. If the drought persists, there could be more stringent measures ahead.
It is the first time Charlotte Water has imposed mandatory restrictions since 2007-2009.
“We need customers to reduce non-essential water use now and conserve water indoors and outdoors,” Charlotte Water said on its website.
According to Charlotte Water’s website, the new rules call for:
Limiting lawn and landscape irrigation to two days a week: Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Sundays. Watering is limited to before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on those days. Hand-watering and drip irrigation is allowed.
No washing vehicles at home: Commercial car washes are still allowed.
Limits on swimming pools: There will be no filling of residential swimming pools. Topping off pools will be allowed only before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays.
No ‘decorative water features’: The rules ban “decorative water features that do not support aquatic animal life."
Other towns and counties in the Charlotte region are expected to impose similar rules aimed at conserving water.
Charlotte Water didn’t say specifically, but it sounds as though this initial round of restrictions falls mainly on residential customers. Most businesses seem to be unaffected, though they are encouraged to implement water-saving measures, too.
Can snitch on your neighbors: Charlotte Water says that after May 15, residents can report suspected violations by calling 311 or by completing an online form. The city has the power to levy $100 fines for non-compliance, Charlotte Water says. Customers who fail to pay the fines could have their water disconnected.
Residents are also encourged to save water by:
flushing toilets only when necessary
turning off water when brushing your teeth
collecting water when you first turn on the shower and using it to water plants
taking shorter showers
(There are no fines on those.)
Charlotte Water is an agency of the city of Charlotte. City Council members have not recently discussed the drought at public meetings.
More info from Charlotte Water:
The Ledger’s Ashley Fahey looked closely at drought conditions and the reasons behind the restrictions in an article in Friday’s Charlotte Ledger newsletter.
Related Ledger articles:
“Small businesses brace for water restrictions” (April 27)
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What questions do you have about the drought?
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The Ledger will continue covering this important story in the days ahead.