Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg to impose mandatory Level 2 water restrictions amid worsening drought
Outdoor watering will be limited to designated overnight hours beginning May 15 as Cabarrus County faces extreme drought conditions.
This story was adapted from a joint news release from Concord and Kannapolis along with information from Harrisburg.
Residents in Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg will face tighter outdoor water restrictions beginning next week as local officials respond to ongoing drought conditions across the region.
In coordination with regional partners, the three municipalities announced they will move to Level 2 mandatory water restrictions starting Friday, May 15, after continued dry conditions across Cabarrus and Rowan counties despite recent rainfall.
Under the mandatory restrictions, lawn watering and irrigation will only be allowed during limited overnight hours: Tuesdays after 8 p.m. through Wednesdays before 8 a.m., and Saturdays after 8 p.m. through Sundays before 8 a.m.
The restrictions also prohibit washing vehicles at home and pressure washing homes or driveways unless performed by professional companies. Washing public buildings, sidewalks and streets is also banned unless required for safety or health reasons.
Residents may still use hand-held watering containers for gardens and plants, top off swimming pools, use commercial car washes and hire professional pressure washing companies.
Officials said permits will also be required for filling newly constructed or drained swimming pools.
The restrictions apply to all Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg water customers. Violations could result in civil penalties or fees.
Residents and businesses that rely on private wells or irrigation ponds not connected to the municipal water system are exempt from the restrictions. Municipalities are offering free well-water irrigation signs for eligible properties.
Local officials are encouraging residents to voluntarily conserve additional water by checking for leaks, taking shorter showers, running only full loads of laundry and dishes, and turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving.
The announcement comes as the majority of Cabarrus is classified under an extreme drought while the southernmost portion of the county is classified under an exceptional drought, according to North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.
More information about drought resources and restrictions is available through the City of Concord and City of Kannapolis customer service departments and Town of Harrisburg public works department.
City of Concord Customer Care
704-920-5555
ConcordNC.gov/DroughtResources
City of Kannapolis Customer Care
704-920-4444
KannapolisNC.gov/Drought
Town of Harrisburg Public Works Department
704-455-5614