Mooresville Enacts Mandatory Water Restrictions Amid Ongoing Drought

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The Town of Mooresville will implement mandatory water use restrictions beginning May 8, 2026, in response to ongoing drought conditions in the region.

The restrictions follow Stage 2 Low Inflow Protocol guidance from the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG). Residents and businesses within town limits and connected to the municipal water system must comply with new conservation rules under the town’s emergency water conservation ordinance.

Under Stage 2 rules, sprinkler irrigation is limited to 7–11 a.m. and 6–10 p.m. Outside of those hours, sprinkler use is prohibited.

Violations may result in fines applied to utility bills, including $100 per violation for residential users and $200 for a first commercial violation, increasing to $500 for a second and $1,000 for additional offenses.

Town officials are also urging residents to conserve water by limiting lawn watering during peak sunlight hours, taking shorter showers, running full loads of laundry and dishes, fixing leaks, and reducing vehicle washing and power washing.

Certain uses remain allowed under Stage 2, including watering by commercial plant nurseries and hand watering methods such as drip irrigation systems and hoses with automatic shutoff nozzles.

Some facilities are exempt due to alternative water sources, including the Mooresville Golf Club, Mazeppa Park baseball fields, and the Liberty Park splash pad.

Residents on private wells within town limits are also exempt but may request free signage to help avoid confusion.

Officials say the goal of Stage 2 restrictions is to reduce water usage by 5–10% or more. Additional restrictions could be implemented if drought conditions persist.

Residents with questions can contact the town at 704-663-7282 or visit mooresvillenc.gov/drought.