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Despite sleet, snow and ice, NC city asks residents to conserve water

As highlighted in orange, most of North Carolina is experiencing severe drought as of Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
As highlighted in orange, most of North Carolina is experiencing severe drought as of Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. U.S. Drought Monitor

Despite recent rain, sleet, snow and ice across the Charlotte region, the city of Monroe asked its residents this week to conserve water.

Drought lingers statewide, and Monroe’s water supply is down to about six months, officials said in an online statement Wednesday.

“While our area has received some recent rainfall and wintry mix, overall drought conditions remain severe across much of the state, including Monroe,” officials said in declaring a stage I water conservation.

“Stage 1 is about being proactive and thoughtful,” City Manager Mark Watson said.

Union, Mecklenburg and many other counties in the state are experiencing ”severe drought,” the third most intense of five classifications on the U.S. Drought Monitor map.

Ways to curb water use

Monroe officials urged residents to fix leaks and running toilets, keep showers brief and turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving and washing dishes.

Also, run dishwashers and laundry only with full loads, don’t wash driveways, sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces and limit vehicle washing at home.

The city will share updates on its website.

Anyone with questions can call the city’s Water Resources Department at 704-282-4601.

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Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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