U.S. Drought Monitor
Federal drought-classification system — USDA / NOAA / UNL partnership
Other coverage in the Mercury Local network
Charlotte Water Moves to Voluntary Restrictions as the Catawba-Wateree Basin Hits Stage 1
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.
Mandatory Water Restrictions Begin Friday in Charlotte. The Five-Stage Protocol Behind Them.
Day-of guide to Charlotte's first mandatory Stage 2 restrictions since 2009: the rules, the five-stage Low Inflow Protocol behind them, the burn ban that arrived with them, and what's enforceable Friday.
Charlotte Water Escalates to Mandatory Restrictions as Drought Reaches Stage 2
Charlotte Water escalates to Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol on Friday, May 15 — the first mandatory water restrictions since 2009. The region has reached exceptional drought for the first time since 2008.
Stage 1 Drought Hits the Catawba-Wateree Basin. What Firethorne Needs to Know.
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.
Charlotte Water Moves to Mandatory Restrictions Friday. Firethorne's Watering Window Is Now Two Days a Week.
Charlotte Water moves to mandatory restrictions Friday, May 15, under Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol. Firethorne's irrigation window drops to two days a week, overnight only.
Charlotte Just Tied 5-5 on Data Center Rules. Why Firethorne Should Pay Attention.
Charlotte's data center moratorium hearing failed 5-5 with Mayor Lyles breaking the tie no. Firethorne is in Union County, but data centers are basin-scale and grid-scale. Three things to know about water, power, and zoning.
Charlotte's Voluntary Water Restrictions: What They Mean for Fourth Ward HOAs and Condo Boards
Charlotte Water's voluntary restrictions and the citywide burn ban both took effect this week. In Fourth Ward, the practical effect runs through HOAs and condo boards as much as individual units — and the burn ban's 100-foot rule changes more than it might look like.