Concord Eases Mandatory Water Restrictions

The cities of Concord and Kannapolis updated their mandatory water restrictions on May 22, easing some rules for garden watering while keeping broader Level 2 conservation measures in place. The change took effect immediately for customers on the Concord-Kannapolis water system, according to a joint city notice. Residents may now use soaker hoses, drip irrigation and hand-held garden hoses to water gardens any day of the week. The cities said the revisions were meant to align more closely with regional partners while drought conditions continue across the area. ### Which restrictions changed right away? May 22 is the date Concord and Kannapolis said customers could begin using soaker hoses and drip irrigation for gardens without day-of-week limits. The cities also said residents may use a garden hose to water gardens if they are holding the hose and controlling the water themselves. Before the update, those methods were prohibited outside the two designated irrigation windows. (kannapolisnc.gov) Hand watering now includes watering cans and hoses controlled directly by the customer, the cities said. The change applies to gardens, not to general lawn watering, which remains on the existing schedule. ### What is still limited under Level 2 restrictions? Tuesdays after 8 p.m. through Wednesdays before 8 a.m. and Saturdays after 8 p.m. through Sundays before 8 a.m. remain the only times for watering and irrigating lawns, gardens and ornamental plants under the standing Level 2 schedule. (kannapolisnc.gov) Concord’s water-use guidelines say the restrictions began May 15 and are intended to conserve supply during continued dry conditions. Permits are still required for filling newly constructed pools or refilling drained pools, according to the cities. (kannapolisnc.gov) Topping off swimming pools because of normal use or evaporation remains allowed without restriction. ### What is still prohibited for residents? Concord and Kannapolis still prohibit washing vehicles at home under the mandatory restrictions. The cities also continue to bar pressure washing of homes and driveways except by professional pressure washing companies. (concordnc.gov) Washing public buildings, sidewalks and streets also remains prohibited unless required for safety or health regulations. (kannapolisnc.gov) Commercial car washes are still allowed, and professional pressure washing companies may continue operating, the cities said. The earlier May 8 notice listed those activities among the uses customers could continue during the drought response. ### Why did the cities say they made the change? Concord and Kannapolis said the update was intended to “provide additional flexibility and clarity for customers.” The cities also said the revised rules align more closely with regional partners, including Charlotte Water. (kannapolisnc.gov) The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group, or DMAG, implemented mandatory water restrictions under Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 on May 15, the cities said. (kannapolisnc.gov) Concord and Kannapolis said their Inter Basin Transfer agreement to draw water from the Catawba River basin requires them to take corresponding conservation measures during droughts. ### How dry is Concord’s system right now? (kannapolisnc.gov) Concord’s water-use guidelines say the city is in extreme drought conditions, with portions of southern Cabarrus County in exceptional drought. The city said the goal under Level 2 mandatory conservation is to reduce system-wide water use by 5% to 10%. May 15 was the date the mandatory restrictions first took effect for Concord and Kannapolis customers. Concord said all customers must follow the rules and that noncompliance may lead to citations and utility fees, including residential penalties starting at $100 for a first offense. (kannapolisnc.gov) ### What should residents watch next? Concord and Kannapolis said they will continue to monitor drought conditions and coordinate with regional partners, including DMAG. (concordnc.gov) Concord directed residents to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council website to track conditions, while the city’s Customer Care line and Click-2-Fix system remain available for questions and violation reports. (kannapolisnc.gov)