Catawba County News
Mandatory water use restrictions lifted in Catawba-Wateree basin
Published: November 03, 2026
On Monday, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) announced the basin's return to Stage 1 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). The City of Hickory has also lifted mandatory water use restrictions following the improved conditions in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
The return to Stage 1 means mandatory restrictions on nonessential water use that were required under Stage 2 are no longer in effect for the region.
Catawba County residents who live in unincorporated areas should be aware of and follow voluntary water conservation measures still in effect.
Recent rainfall has increased water storage in reservoirs and improved stream flows throughout the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, resulting in more favorable water supply conditions across the region. The basin entered Stage 1 on April 16, 2026, and advanced to Stage 2 on May 1, 2026, as ongoing dry weather and below-average rainfall dating back to September 2025 reduced reservoir storage and stream flows.
What Stage 1 means: Voluntary conservation
Stage 1 is the second of five drought stages in the LIP, which range from Stage 0 to Stage 4. Stage determinations consider lake levels, tributary inflows and the U.S. Drought Monitor. The LIP is a regional drought plan that helps major basin water users coordinate conservation priorities and share responsibility.
While mandatory restrictions have been lifted, residents and businesses are encouraged to continue practicing voluntary water conservation to help protect regional water resources and support long-term water supply reliability.
The goal of Stage 1 is to reduce overall water use by 3-5%. Customers are encouraged to help meet this target by taking simple steps such as:
- Watering outdoors no more than one inch per week
- Avoiding watering during daytime hours
- Reducing residential vehicle washing
Customers are asked to maintain the 3-5% reduction until further notice.
Lake neighbors who withdraw water from the Catawba-Wateree lakes are encouraged by Duke Energy to limit water use and irrigate no more than two days per week (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
Areas affected
The return to Stage 1 applies to all customers and partner systems served by the City of Hickory water system, including:
- All 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
Customers who are not served by the City of Hickory water system should contact their local water provider for guidance specific to their service area.
A regional, cooperative effort
Established in 2006, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) monitors drought conditions and recommends coordinated actions among major water users throughout the basin. Members include public water suppliers, large industrial users, North Carolina and South Carolina resource agencies, federal agencies, and Duke Energy.
More information
To learn more about current drought conditions, visit www.hickorync.gov/drought. For additional water conservation resources, visit the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group at www.catawbawatereewmg.org.