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The Catawba-Wateree River Basin entered Stage 0 of the LIP on November 17, 2025, which is a drought watch stage and has prompted the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) to closely monitor conditions.

Reservoir storage and 3-Month Drought Monitor supports Stage 0 conditions. 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. With a moderate amount of rain over the winter, we could see triggers return to Normal levels in the coming weeks and months. 

 We encourage our water customers to observe the following VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION guidelines as outlined in the Ordinance: 

• limit car washing – use a hose-end nozzle to avoid wasting water; 
• limit lawn, garden, and shrubbery watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive and reuse household water when possible– water lawns and shrubbery after 10:00 PM or before 6:00 AM.
• eliminate washing down of outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots.
• eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishes; 
• limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers
• use showers instead of bathtubs and limit to no more than four minutes' duration; 
• limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners, when possible; 
• use biodegradable and/or disposable dishes to save on dishwashing; 
• 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 Utilities at 704-736-8495 if you have questions.