The Gastonia City Council, at its May 19 meeting, voted to approve updates to Chapter 14, Article VII — Emergency Water Conservation of the City Code of Ordinances as drought conditions continue across the region and the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG), Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG), and the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) declared a Stage II (Mandatory) drought on May 1 due to the rapidly developing dry conditions in the basin.
The City’s announcement declaring Stage II mandatory water restrictions soon followed, and these updates to the City Code of Ordinances are intended to make the rules easier for the public to understand and follow.
Under the updated ordinance, all water customers must now follow the same outdoor irrigation watering schedule:
- 8 p.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Wednesday
- 8 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday
Residents may still:
- Use drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses
- Water plants with hand-held containers
- Fill or top off swimming pools
The updated rules also clarify that:
- Vehicles cannot be washed at home using city water
- Commercial car washes may continue to operate
- Residents cannot pressure wash homes, sidewalks or driveways
- Commercial pressure washing and soft washing businesses may continue operating
- Ornamental fountains and ponds cannot be filled unless needed to support aquatic life
- Properties using private wells are not subject to these restrictions
As of May 15th, fines will be enforced for violations of the Stage II restrictions:
- First violation: Warning
- Second violation: $100 fine
- Third violation: $250 fine
- Fourth and additional violations: $500 fine
The City continues to encourage residents and businesses to conserve water whenever possible. City officials will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if further measures become necessary.
City of Gastonia & TRU water customers may contact Two Rivers Utilities Customer Care Center at 704-866-6714 or email Two Rivers Utilities if they have questions or want more information.
You can also visit Duke Energy’s website for general information about drought conditions in the Catawba Wateree River Basin.
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.