City of Statesville Moves to Stage 2 Water Restrictions

in Public Utilities, Latest City News, Homepage

May 29, 2026

The City of Statesville has reduced its water shortage response level to Stage 2 following improved drought conditions and guidance from state drought officials.

Effective immediately, Stage 2 water restrictions are in place for all customers served by the City of Statesville water system. This change allows residents to resume lawn irrigation during designated watering times, while several conservation measures remain in effect.

These restrictions apply only to water customers served by the City of Statesville. Customers served by other water providers should contact their provider for information regarding any changes in drought restrictions that may apply to their service area.

While conditions have improved, water conservation remains important as the community continues recovering from drought conditions.

Under Stage 2 restrictions:

Lawn and landscape irrigation is permitted only during designated watering times (see below).
Tree and bed irrigation may be conducted using drip, bubble, or hand watering methods.
Residential vehicle washing remains prohibited.
Washing public buildings, sidewalks, and streets remains prohibited except when necessary for safety or public health.
Athletic fields and golf course fairways may be watered in accordance with an approved alternative watering plan.

Watering schedules under Stage 2 are as follows:

Odd-numbered addresses

Tuesday 8 p.m. to Wednesday 8 a.m.
Saturday 8 p.m. to Sunday 8 a.m.

Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses

Thursday 8 p.m. to Friday 8 a.m.
Sunday 8 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m.

"The cooperation we've seen from our community during this drought has been tremendous," said City Manager Ron Smith. "Moving to Stage 2 is a positive step, but we still need everyone's help conserving water as conditions continue to improve."

The move to Stage 2 reflects improving conditions, but drought conditions remain present across portions of the region. The City will continue monitoring rainfall, water supply conditions, and guidance from state drought officials and may modify restrictions if conditions improve or worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I water my lawn? Yes. Lawn and landscape irrigation is allowed during the designated watering times for your address.

Can I water flowers, shrubs, and landscape beds? Yes. Tree and bed irrigation may be conducted using drip irrigation, bubble irrigation, or hand watering.

Can I wash my car at home? No. Residential vehicle washing remains prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions.

Can I fill or refill my swimming pool? Yes

Can splash pads and other water features operate? Yes

How do I know if these restrictions apply to me? These restrictions apply only to customers served by the City of Statesville water system. If you receive your water bill from another provider, you should contact that provider for information regarding any drought restrictions or changes in drought restrictions that may apply to your service area.

Why are restrictions still in place if conditions have improved? While drought conditions have improved, conservation remains important. Stage 2 restrictions help reduce water demand and protect the community's water supply while recovery continues.

Will restrictions be lifted completely? The City will continue monitoring drought conditions and water supply levels. Any future changes will depend on weather conditions and guidance from state drought officials.

For additional information on current water restrictions, contact the Water Resources Department at 704-878-3439.

Updated Drought Map - May 26, 2026

A North Carolina drought monitor map dated May 26, 2026, shows drought conditions across the state. Large portions of central and northern North Carolina are shaded red, indicating extreme drought, while many surrounding areas are shaded orange for severe drought and tan for moderate drought. A small area in the western part of the state is marked in dark red, representing exceptional drought conditions. The map includes drought classification categories and logos from the USDA, NDMC, NOAA, and other agencies.

Updated Drought Map - May 19, 2026

The U.S. Drought Monitor map for North Carolina, updated May 19, 2026, shows widespread drought conditions across the state. Most of western and central North Carolina are classified in extreme drought (red), with a portion of the northwestern region experiencing exceptional drought (dark red). Eastern portions of the state are primarily experiencing severe drought (orange) and moderate drought (tan), according to the USDA and National Drought Mitigation Center.

Updated Drought Map - May 14, 2026

Updated Drought Map - May 7, 2026

A U.S. Drought Monitor map of North Carolina displays drought classifications across the state as of May 7, 2026. Most of western and central North Carolina are shaded red, indicating extreme drought conditions, with some areas shown in dark red for exceptional drought. Eastern portions of the state are primarily shaded orange and yellow, representing severe drought and moderate drought conditions. A legend identifies the drought categories ranging from D0, abnormally dry, to D4, exceptional drought. Logos for the USDA, National Drought Mitigation Center, NOAA, and other agencies appear at the top of the graphic.

Updated Drought Map - April 28, 2026

A map of North Carolina from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated April 28, 2026, displays drought conditions across the state. Most of western and central North Carolina is shaded red, indicating extreme drought (D3), with a small dark red area in the central region representing exceptional drought (D4). Eastern and coastal regions are primarily shaded orange, indicating severe drought (D2), with some areas in lighter shades representing moderate drought (D1) and abnormally dry conditions (D0). A legend identifies drought categories from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought). The map indicates widespread drought conditions across nearly the entire state.

Updated Drought Map - April 23, 2026

April 24, 2026

Public Notice Enforcement of Water Restrictions Begins May 4, 2026

The City of Statesville is currently under Stage 3 (Extreme Drought) conditions. Beginning at 8 a.m. on May 4, 2026, the City will enforce water use restrictions with fines. This enforcement action is authorized under 15A NCAC 02E .0607, the City of Statesville Code of Ordinances, Section 23, Division 2 (Water Shortage Response Procedures), and the City of Statesville Water Shortage Response Plan (adopted June 5, 2023), following a drought advisory issued by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council and the establishment of the City’s Water Shortage Leadership Team on April 22, 2026.

All residents and businesses are required to comply with current drought restrictions.

Violations will result in the following fines:

Current: Stage 3 (Extreme Drought)

• First violation: $200

• Second violation: $400

• Third and subsequent violations: $600

Stage 2 (Moderate Drought) – if conditions improve

• First violation: $100

• Second violation: $200

• Third and subsequent violations: $300

Failure to comply will result in enforcement action and applicable penalties.

View the full Public Notice and Drought Restrictions - Frequently Asked Questions here.

City of Statesville Enters Stage D3 Extreme Drought Condition (April 10, 2026)

Contact: April Nesbit, Public Information Officer

City of Statesville

704-878-3586

[email protected]

City of Statesville Enters Stage D3 Extreme Drought Condition

The City of Statesville is now in a Stage D3 Extreme Drought condition, as declared by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (NCDMAC) on April 9, 2026. This update is based on the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina. In accordance with the City’s Water Shortage Response Plan, more restrictive water conservation measures are now in effect to reduce overall water usage and protect available water resources.

The following mandatory measures are now in place:

Irrigation Restrictions

Irrigation is prohibited except under limited conditions:

Tree and bed irrigation is allowed by bubble, drip, or hand methods only.
Odd-numbered addresses may be irrigated Saturday from 8 p.m. to Sunday at 8 a.m.
Even numbered and unnumbered addresses may irrigate Sunday from 8 p.m. to Monday at 8 a.m.
Athletic fields and golf course fairways must follow an alternative watering plan approved by the Director.

Prohibited Activities

All residential vehicle washing is prohibited.

Outdoor ornamental water use, including fountains and ponds without fish, is prohibited.
Filling swimming pools is prohibited, though top offs are allowed.
Washing of public buildings, sidewalks, and streets is prohibited except when necessary for safety or public health.
Dust suppression, street washing, and hydrant flushing are prohibited except to maintain safety, water quality, and regulatory compliance.

Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to reduce all non-essential water use and shift necessary use to early morning or late evening hours.

Businesses and industrial users are encouraged to reduce water use through operational adjustments and to promote water conservation efforts among employees. Additional voluntary or mandatory measures may be implemented by the Director of Public Utilities as needed to achieve water use reduction goals.

The City will continue to monitor conditions closely and may implement additional measures if necessary. While civil penalties may be issued for violations, the City’s primary goal is voluntary compliance and community cooperation during this critical time.

For questions about voluntary water use restrictions, or to submit an alternative watering plan, please contact Andy Smith at 704-878-3439. The City's Water Shortage Response Plan can also be found on the City of Statesville’s website at www.statesvillenc.net/water-resources. Customers with unique circumstances may request a variance through the Public Utilities Department. Variances are considered on a limited, case by case basis.

View the Water Shortage Response Planf