Skip to main content
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Charlotte, NC|Independent Local News
Strolling Ballantyne

Always Last... To Breaking News!

Sections
policy

Low Inflow Protocol

Five-stage regional drought-response policy operated jointly by Duke Energy and the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. Stages: 0 (watch) → 1 (voluntary conservation) → 2 (mandatory restrictions) → 3 → 4 (emergency). Stage determined by three indicators: reservoir storage, inflow rate, U.S. Drought Monitor classification. Duke evaluates monthly.

Coverage (4 articles)

Six Things to Know from a Heavy Week in Charlotte

Jack Beckett·

Six takeaways from a heavy week at city hall: Stage 2 water restrictions, a unanimous data-center moratorium, a $4.5 billion budget hearing, the NC state-budget framework, the CMS budget reversal, and the MPTA's July 1 deadline.

Other coverage in the Mercury Local network

Charlotte Water Moves to Voluntary Restrictions as the Catawba-Wateree Basin Hits Stage 1

The Charlotte Mercury·

Charlotte Water shifted to voluntary water restrictions on Monday, April 20 — the first time since 2023 — after the Catawba-Wateree River Basin moved to Stage 1 of its regional Low Inflow Protocol. A separate citywide burn ban with a $100 fine and $183 in court costs was imposed alongside it. Here is what the city is asking and what would push the basin further.

Stage 1 Drought Hits the Catawba-Wateree Basin. What Firethorne Needs to Know.

Strolling Firethorne·

The Catawba-Wateree Basin entered Stage 1 of its regional drought protocol Monday, triggering Charlotte Water's first voluntary restrictions since 2023. Out here in Firethorne, the response runs through whichever utility serves your home — but the drought is shared, and the basin-wide thinking is worth knowing either way.

Six Things to Know from a Heavy Week in Charlotte

Strolling Firethorne·

Six takeaways from a heavy week at city hall: Stage 2 water restrictions, a unanimous data-center moratorium, a $4.5 billion budget hearing, the NC state-budget framework, the CMS budget reversal, and the MPTA's July 1 deadline.

Related