KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Concord and Kannapolis water customers remain under Level 2 mandatory water restrictions as of October 2026. The rules took effect May 15 and have not been lifted. Drought conditions continue across Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
Outdoor watering of lawns, gardens and ornamental plants is allowed only twice a week. The windows are Tuesday after 8 p.m. to Wednesday before 8 a.m., and Saturday after 8 p.m. to Sunday before 8 a.m.
Residents may not wash vehicles at home or pressure wash homes and driveways. Professional pressure washing companies are exempt. Washing public buildings, sidewalks and streets is banned unless needed for safety or health rules. Permits are required to fill new or drained pools.
Customers can still use hand-held containers to water gardens and plants, top off pools and use commercial car washes. The rules apply to all Concord and Kannapolis water customers. Violations can bring civil citations or fees.
Private wells and irrigation ponds not tied to the municipal system are exempt. Owners can ask their city for a free sign marking well water irrigation.
The cities acted with the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group, which put Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 in place the same day. Because both cities draw from the Catawba River basin under an inter-basin transfer agreement, they must take matching steps to cut water use.
Questions can go to Concord Customer Care at 704-920-5555 or Kannapolis Customer Care at 704-920-4444. Drought conditions are posted at ncdrought.org.
