05/04/2026
Due to ongoing extremely dry conditions across the region, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW DMAG) has declared the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has entered Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). In accordance with the City of Hickory’s Water Shortage Response Plan, Hickory has also officially entered Stage 2, triggering mandatory water use restrictions for all customers.
Catawba County residents who live in an unincorporated area should be aware of and follow all mandatory water conservation measures.
Each month during drought periods, CW DMAG evaluates lake levels, streamflows, groundwater, and other conditions. In the LIP, drought stages are determined by the following three indicators: (1) how much water is in the reservoirs, (2) how much water is flowing into the reservoirs, and (3) the U.S. Drought Monitor, a government site that indicates areas experiencing a drought and the drought’s severity. As of May 1, these indicators met the threshold for a Stage 2 declaration.
What Stage 2 Means
Stage 2 is the third of five drought stages and marks a shift from voluntary conservation to mandatory restrictions. While this stage does not indicate an emergency, it does require coordinated action from the community to protect the region’s shared water supply.
The goal of Stage 2 is to reduce overall water use by 5-10% to preserve reservoir storage, sustain downstream flow needs, and ensure drinking water availability across the basin until conditions improve.
Your cooperation is essential. By following the required restrictions now, we help safeguard water resources for everyone who relies on this shared system.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Irrigation Schedule
• Odd addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Even addresses: Thursdays and Sundays
• Unnumbered addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Additional Requirements
• No residential vehicle washing
• Reduce overall water use; shift discretionary use to early morning or late evening
• Stop operating ornamental fountains or water features that do not support animal life
• Do not fill residential swimming pools
• Do not top off swimming pools outside of assigned irrigation days
Prohibited Activities and Penalties
The following are prohibited during Stage 2:
• Watering lawns or turf outside the allowed schedule
• Operating ornamental water features without aquatic life
• Filling residential swimming pools
• Topping off pools outside assigned days
Violations may result in surcharges on your utility bill and potential loss of service:
• First violation: $100 (≤1.5” meter) or $200 (≥2” meter)
• Second violation: $200 (≤1.5” meter) or $400 (≥2” meter)
• Third violation: $300 (≤1.5” meter) or $600 (≥2” meter)
Customers with more than five violations risk loss of irrigation water service.
Areas Affected
All water consumers served by the City of Hickory, including:
• Customers billed directly by the City of Hickory
• Cities of Conover and Claremont
• Towns of Brookford, Catawba, Long View, and Maiden
• Portions of Alexander and Catawba counties
• Icard Township Water Corporation
Looking Ahead
If drought conditions continue, additional LIP stages—each with more stringent restrictions—may be activated. The County will provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
A Regional, Cooperative Effort
The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW DMAG), formed in 2006, brings together public water suppliers, industrial users, state and federal agencies, and Duke Energy to make coordinated decisions that protect the region’s shared water resources.
More Information
To learn more about drought conditions, Stage 2 restrictions, and conservation tips, visit www.hickorync.gov/drought. For additional water-saving resources, visit the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group at www.catawbawatereewmg.org. Customers not served by the City of Hickory water system should contact their local water provider for guidance.
