Drought prompts new mandatory water limits in 3 Charlotte-area communities
Despite this week’s rains, Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg officials on Friday said they will further restrict people’s water use due to drought.
Beginning Friday, May 15, the cities will move to level 2 mandatory water restrictions, according to a joint statement.
“Drought conditions persist throughout Concord, Kannapolis, and across Cabarrus and Rowan counties,” officials said. “The mandatory water restrictions are needed to help protect the regional water supply by reducing nonessential water use.”
No washing vehicles at home
Watering and irrigating lawns, gardens and ornamental plants will be allowed only after 8 p.m. Tuesdays until 8 a.m. Wednesdays and after 8 p.m. Saturdays until 8 a.m. Sundays.
No washing vehicles at home will be permitted, or pressure washing homes and driveways, except for professional pressure washing companies.
Permits are required to fill newly built and drained pools.
“Washing of public buildings, sidewalks and streets is prohibited, unless required for safety or health regulations,” according to the statement.
It’s OK to top off a pool
People are allowed to use hand-held watering containers for gardens and plants, officials said. They can still top off swimming pools, use commercial car washes and retain professional pressure washing companies to wash down their homes and driveways.
Violators face civil citations or fees.
Residents and businesses with private wells and irrigation ponds unconnected to the municipal water system are exempt. Residents and business owners with wells and irrigation ponds should contact their municipality to request a free well water irrigation sign to display on their property, officials said.
What else you can do
Officials also encouraged people to:
• “Check toilets and faucets for leaks and make necessary repairs.”
• “Take shorter showers and consider showers instead of baths or reduce the level of water used in a bathtub by 1-2 inches.”
• “Turn off the water when brushing teeth, washing hands and face, and shaving.”
• “Only run full loads of laundry, and dishwashers that are full.”
• “When washing dishes by hand, do not continuously run water while rinsing.”
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 2:49 PM.