Beginning Friday, May 15, 2026, Charlotte Water will implement mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions in response to ongoing drought conditions across the region. The restrictions apply to residential customers, community associations, and businesses operating within Charlotte Water’s service area.
The mandatory reductions primarily target “discretionary” water use, while essential and certain “community/business” uses remain permitted. Charlotte Water has also indicated that some activities that would normally be restricted may continue if performed by a licensed business or for community-serving purposes.
Restrictions for Homeowners
Under the Stage 2 restrictions, residential irrigation is limited to two days per week during overnight hours only:
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays
- Even-numbered addresses: Wednesdays and Sundays
- Watering is permitted only between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Charlotte Water also prohibits several non-essential residential water uses, including:
- Washing vehicles at home
- Filling swimming pools
- Operating decorative fountains without aquatic life
- Non-essential power washing
- Charity or fundraising car wash events
Pool top-offs are permitted only during approved watering days and times. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses remain allowed.
Can, or should, your association enforce these restrictions? The short answer is likely no, as violations are not within the association’s enforcement authority. However, it is appropriate for an association to update the membership about these important new restrictions through an e-blast or an update on the association’s website. This may be particularly helpful in staving off owner complaints about delayed landscaping or other non-urgent, discretionary water usage.
Guidance for HOA Vendors and Service Providers
Charlotte Water’s business guidance provides important clarification for contractors serving community associations.
According to the City, licensed power washing businesses may continue operating during Stage 2 restrictions because they qualify as a permitted “community and business use.” The City has also stated that some otherwise discretionary activities may continue when performed for “community-serving functions.”
However, Charlotte Water has not specifically defined what qualifies as a “licensed business.” North Carolina does not issue a statewide pressure washing license, and Charlotte generally does not require a separate privilege license for pressure washing contractors. As a result, many businesses are interpreting the term to include companies that are legally organized and operating, such as entities with:
- LLC or corporate registration
- EIN registration
- Liability insurance
- Compliance with applicable local and state business requirements
Similarly, community association maintenance work involving public safety, slip-hazard removal, sidewalk cleaning, pool deck maintenance, or compliance with governing documents may more reasonably fit within the City’s “community-serving” or “business use” exemptions than purely cosmetic residential cleaning.
Because the City’s guidance remains somewhat limited, associations and vendors should proceed cautiously and consider obtaining written clarification from Charlotte Water when questions arise regarding specific services or projects. Variances are available for activities that would otherwise be prohibited but are reasonably believed to be necessary for health, safety, regulatory compliance, or critical business operations. For example, if a pool required additional water intake to keep chemical levels safe, that would likely qualify for a variance.
The City’s water restrictions will be reviewed every other week, and updates will be provided as conditions change (or do not). Violations of the restrictions may result in enforcement action and monetary penalties, so everyone bound by these restrictions should proceed carefully.
Harmony Taylor is a partner with Law Firm Carolinas who regularly represents homeowner and condominium associations on governance, compliance, and litigation matters. She advises boards on director and member meetings and represents associations in state courts and Fair Housing and other discrimination proceedings. Harmony is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and an active leader within the Community Associations Institute, including service on the North Carolina Chapter’s Legislative Action Committee and the College’s Board of Governors.