Mandatory Stage 2 watering rules are over for Charlotte Water customers in Huntersville. Stage 1 asks you to water two nights a week, but it is now voluntary.
Mandatory drought watering rules have ended for Huntersville homes and businesses. Charlotte Water, which supplies the town’s water, moved down to Stage 1 on Nov. 2. Under Stage 1, conservation is voluntary.
The utility said in a public notice that the change reflects improving conditions across the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. It also reflects “a regional decision to ease water-use restrictions,” the notice said.
The Stage 2 restrictions had been in force since May 15. The town announced the change at its Nov. 2 Town Board meeting, which is on the town’s YouTube channel.
What Stage 1 asks
Charlotte Water’s drought resources page asks customers to water lawns only on two assigned nights a week, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
| Your address ends in | Water these nights |
|---|---|
| 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 (odd) | 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, and 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday |
| 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 (even) | 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, and 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday |
Hand watering and drip irrigation, including soaker hoses, are allowed at any time.
At the Nov. 2 meeting, the town also asked customers to:
- top off residential pools only on Thursdays and Sundays, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- use commercial car washes that recycle water instead of washing at home
- repair leaks on their property promptly
- cut water use both indoors and outdoors
None of this is enforced now. “Customers are no longer required to follow mandatory restrictions but are encouraged to continue conserving water,” Charlotte Water said.
How the summer went
Charlotte Water published a drought dashboard while the rules were in force. Its last figures, as of Oct. 29, covered its whole service area:
- 2,939 violations reported by the public
- 415 confirmed violations
- 553 requests for a variance, of which 258 were approved
- 36 appeals
The utility said this was its first round of mandatory restrictions since 2007 to 2009. It last asked for voluntary conservation in 2023.
The basin’s utilities, local governments and resource managers coordinate through the regional Drought Management Advisory Group. Charlotte Water said further measures could follow if conditions worsen again.
What it means for you
- You will not be cited for watering on the wrong day. Sticking to the two-night schedule still helps, and it is what the utility is asking for.
- Spotted a leak in the street? Charlotte Water has an interactive leak map that shows reported leaks and repair work near any address.
- New to town? Our moving here guide explains how to start water service with Charlotte Water. Huntersville Electric customers should also read our warning about scam calls using the town’s number.
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