When Charlotte Water moved to voluntary restrictions in late April, we laid out what it meant for Ballantyne: irrigation schedules, pool guidance, the basics of drought protocol. The voluntary phase is over.

Charlotte Water moves to mandatory restrictions on Friday, May 15, under Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol. The Catawba-Wateree basin has reached "exceptional" drought — the worst classification — for the first time since 2008.

The irrigation rules, which are now enforceable: Two days per week maximum, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. only. Odd-numbered addresses water Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses water Wednesdays and Sundays. Reprogram your irrigation timers before Friday.

Pools: Topping off only — Thursdays and Sundays, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Filling a pool from empty is not permitted.

Prohibited outright: Home vehicle washing, non-essential power washing, decorative water features without aquatic life, and charity car washes. Commercial car washes remain open.

Still allowed: Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand-watering.

Fines start at $100.

Mecklenburg County's burn ban — in effect since May 4 — prohibits charcoal and gas grills, fire pits, and open flames in all county parks.

For the full regional picture, including how Gastonia, Statesville, and Union County are responding, see The Charlotte Mercury's Stage 2 report.