Drought FAQ
General Information
What are the current restrictions?
CMD is currently under Stage 2 Drought Restrictions. They include:
- Lawn Watering and Pool Filling/Topping-Off: 2 days per week.
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- Odd Addresses water Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9PM – 5 AM
- Even Addresses water Thursdays and Sundays, 9PM – 5AM
- New seeding or sodding may water once per day for the first two weeks, 9PM – 5AM only, then follow the above schedule.
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- Water runoff is prohibited.
- Residential vehicle washing is prohibited.
- Washing of public buildings, sidewalks, and streets is prohibited except as required to maintain safety standards or regulatory compliance.
- Commercial water use such as car washes, pressure washing businesses, nursery watering, and construction water use are allowed but discouraged.
- Washing of emergency vehicles is allowed when necessary.
- Flushing operations are prohibited except as required to maintain water quality and regulatory compliance.
Who do these restrictions apply to?
Restrictions apply to anyone connected to the public water system. If you receive a bill from CMD, then you are part of this process. This includes CMD employees, law enforcement, and elected officials connected to public water.
Can I still use water inside?
Yes. Stage 2 restrictions recommend a voluntary reduction in water use by 5-10%, but indoor water use is not regulated.
We do recommend only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, turning off taps when brushing teeth, and shortening showers by 2-3 minutes. Even small changes can add up when everyone helps!
Can I use rain barrels or pull water from lakes and ponds?
Yes. CMD does not regulate the use of rainwater or untreated groundwater.
We do encourage reducing any water use where you can and following the posted outdoor watering schedules to lessen runoff and evaporation loss.
Please be aware that our Drought Officer will be able to test the water for the presence of chlorine. The use of treated water will result in violations.
Does hand-watering fall under the same schedule?
If you’re using public water, yes.
We encourage hand-watering since it wastes less water, but it still needs to be done on the same schedule listed above.
I just had landscaping done. Can I still water it?
New landscaping can be watered daily for the first two weeks after planting, then will be required to follow the posted watering schedule.
You may also apply for a 30-day variance for new landscaping, allowing you to water daily for up to 30 days.
Violations and Fines
What is a violation? How are they issued?
Violations are issued via a written ticket. We require photo evidence for every violation, and the nature of the violation will be written on the ticket.
Violations are issued when a user engages in activites which are prohibited by current restrictions, such as residential car washing or watering lawns during the day.
Why are you charging fines?
Fines are a part of the regulatory process for Drought Management and are meant to discourage prohibited water use. Fine levels are determined based on guidance from the Catawba River Drought Management Advisory Group and the SC State Drought Policy.
Residential Fines:
1st Violation: Written Warning
2nd Violation: $50.00
3rd Violation: $100.00
4th Violation: $150.00
Commercial/Industrial Fines:
1st Violation: Written Warning
2nd Violation: $100.00
3rd Violation: $200.00
4th Violation: $300.00
4th and subsequent violations will also result in disconnection of service until all fines are paid in full.
I got a fine. Can I set up a payment plan?
No. Fines must be paid in full on or before the next cutoff date for your cycle. If you have been disconnected due to violations, all fines must be paid before service will be restored.
My neighbor is violating the restrictions! Can I report them?
You can, however CMD staff is responsible for obtaining photo evidence and writing violations so we can’t use third-party evidence.
You can call to report prohibited water use and we will send someone to follow up as soon as we are able.
Call Us
(803) 385-5123