Current Water Shortage Response Status
Stage 2 – Mandatory Reductions I
As of Friday, May 1, 2026
Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions
On May 19, 2026, the Gastonia City Council approved updates to Chapter 14, Article VII — Emergency Water Conservation of the City Code of Ordinances. The updated rules apply to all City of Gastonia and Two Rivers Utilities (TRU) water customers. Fines for violations are enforced as of May 15, 2026.
Outdoor Irrigation Schedule
All water customers must 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
Additional Rules
- 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
Fines for Violations
As of May 15, 2026, the following fines are enforced for violations of Stage II restrictions:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First violation | Warning |
| Second violation | $100 fine |
| Third violation | $250 fine |
| Fourth and additional violations | $500 fine |
Questions?
City of Gastonia and TRU water customers may contact the Two Rivers Utilities Customer Care Center at 704-866-6714 or email droughtinfo@tworiversutilities.com.
Staging for Water Shortage Response
The Water Shortage Response is organized into four stages. Each stage reflects current water supply conditions and the level of reduction expected from customers.
| Stage | Response | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voluntary Reductions | Water users are encouraged to reduce their water use and improve water use efficiency; however, no penalties apply for noncompliance. Water supply conditions indicate a potential for shortage. |
| 2 | Mandatory Reductions I | Water users must abide by required water use reduction and efficiency measures; penalties apply for noncompliance. Water supply conditions are significantly lower than the seasonal norm and water shortage conditions are expected to persist. |
| 3 | Mandatory Reductions II | Same as in Stage 2. |
| 4 | Emergency Reductions | Water supply conditions are substantially diminished and pose an imminent threat to human health or environmental integrity. |
What Each Stage Means for Customers
Stage 1 – Voluntary Reductions
All water users will be asked to reduce their normal water use by 3 to 5 percent. Customer education and outreach programs will encourage water conservation and efficiency measures, including:
- Irrigating landscapes a maximum of two days per week, between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Preventing water waste.
- Reducing residential vehicle washing.
- Washing only full loads in clothes washers and dishwashers.
- Using spring-loaded nozzles on garden hoses.
- Identifying and repairing all water leaks.
Stage 2 – Mandatory Reductions I
All customers are expected to reduce their water use by 5 to 10 percent compared to their average usage. In addition to continuing all voluntary reduction actions, the following restrictions apply under Section 14-814(2) of the Gastonia Code of Ordinances:
- Outdoor irrigation is limited to two windows per week, the same schedule for all customers: 8 p.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Wednesday, and 8 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday.
- Residential vehicle washing using city water is prohibited; commercial car washes may continue to operate.
- Residential pressure washing of homes, sidewalks, and driveways is prohibited; commercial pressure washing and soft washing businesses may continue operating.
- Ornamental fountains and ponds cannot be filled unless needed to support aquatic life.
- Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, hand-held watering containers, and filling or topping off swimming pools are still allowed.
- Properties using private wells are not subject to these restrictions.
- All testing and training purposes requiring drinking water (for example, fire protection) will be limited.
Stage 3 – Mandatory Reductions II
Customers must continue actions from all previous stages and further reduce water use by 10 to 20 percent compared to their average usage. Additional water restrictions as specified in Section 14-814(3) of the Gastonia Code of Ordinances will apply.
Stage 4 – Emergency Reductions
Customers must continue all actions from previous stages and further reduce their water use by 20 to 30 percent compared to their average usage. A ban on all use of drinking water, except to protect public health and safety, is implemented. The City Manager may limit or prohibit new service connections to the city’s water system as specified in Section 14-812(5) of the Gastonia Code of Ordinances.
Drought Information Resources
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Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG) Drought Resources
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The CWWMG members are large water users (mostly utilities, including Two Rivers Utilities) as well as Duke Energy. The group was formed in 2007–2008, and its mission is to protect and enhance the health of the Catawba River Basin. All members have adopted the CWWMG drought protocols.
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Directly related to the CWWMG, this group is responsible for setting the protocols and trigger levels for drought response.
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This webpage is updated weekly on Thursdays. It is important to remember that the drought status is not tied solely to the drought condition of Gaston County.
Weather Information Resources
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NOAA National Weather Service five-day weather forecast.
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The NOAA Climate Prediction Center provides a weather outlook beyond five days.
Drought Preparedness & Water Conservation Tips
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A Red Cross page dedicated to showing specific areas where simple changes can conserve water.