(Lincolnton) The Catawba-Wateree River Basin entered Stage 0 of the Low Inflow Protocol on April 1, 2025 which is a drought watch stage. After observing declining trends, Lincoln County has proactively declared Stage 0 conditions.
(Lincolnton) The Catawba-Wateree River Basin entered Stage 0 of the Low Inflow Protocol on April 1, 2025 which is a drought watch stage and has prompted the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) to closely monitor conditions. After observing declining trends, it has been decided to proactively declare Stage 0 conditions. It is hoped that if everyone makes an effort to reduce water consumption at this time, future mandatory restrictions can be avoided. A Stage 0 Water Shortage, as defined in the Lincoln County Water Conservation Ordinance, indicates the need to reduce consumption to avoid any possible future voluntary or mandatory restrictions. More severe water use restrictions may be avoided by reducing demand on the water supply reservoirs before the drought conditions worsen.
We encourage our water customers to observe the following voluntary water conservation guidelines as outlined in the Ordinance:
(a) limit car washing – use a hose-end nozzle to avoid wasting water;
(b) limit lawn, garden, and shrubbery watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive and reuse household water when possible – a healthy lawn needs no more than 1 inch of water per week – water lawns and shrubbery after 10:00 PM or before 6:00 AM to reduce water losses due to evaporation;
(c) eliminate washing down of outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays or aprons;
(d) eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishes;
(e) limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers and operate only when fully loaded;
(f) use showers instead of bathtubs for bathing and limit showers to no more than four minutes' duration;
(g) limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage, when possible;
(h) limit hours of operation of water‑cooled air conditioners, when possible;
(i) use biodegradable and/or disposable dishes to save on dishwashing;
(j) use flow restriction and other water‑saving devices where possible; and
(k) delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended.
Drought indicators and demand on our water system will continue to be monitored by the County, and the public will be notified of any changes in the water shortage conditions. Please call Lincoln County Public Works at 704-736-8495 if you have questions.