Update for City of Hickory water customers

City of Hickory remains in Stage 2 Low Inflow Protocol, Updates irrigation restrictions

HICKORY – Recent rain has offered some short‑term relief, but not enough to lift the City of Hickory or the Catawba‑Wateree River Basin out of mandatory water restrictions. Hickory remains in Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP), which requires all customers to follow specific water‑use limits.

Why We Are Still in Stage 2

Drought stage is determined by three key factors:

1. Reservoir levels
2. How much water is flowing into those reservoirs
3. Current drought designations from the U.S. Drought Monitor

 

Despite recent rainfall, inflow to the reservoirs remains low, and regional drought conditions have not improved enough for restrictions to be eased. All three triggers must be in Stage 1 before the region can be moved officially back down into Stage 1 and water restrictions lifted.

 

Updated Irrigation Restrictions

To reduce confusion, irrigation guidelines have been simplified. Under Stage 2, the following rules now apply:

 

• Customers may irrigate no more than two days per week.
• Irrigation is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• Exceptions remain for newly planted grass, sod, and turfgrass.

 

Additional Stage 2 Requirements

• No residential vehicle washing.
• Reduce overall water use; schedule discretionary use during early morning or late evening.
• Do not operate ornamental fountains or water features that do not support animal life.
• Do not fill residential swimming pools.
• Do not top off pools on prohibited irrigation days.

 

Prohibited Activities & Penalties

The following are not allowed during Stage 2:

• Irrigation on prohibited days
• Operating ornamental water features without animal life
• Filling residential pools
• Topping off pools outside allowed irrigation days

 

Violations may result in surcharges:

• First violation: $100 (≤1.5” meter) or $200 (≥2” meter)
• Second violation: $200 (≤1.5” meter) or $400 (≥2” meter)
• Third violation: $300 (≤1.5” meter) or $600 (≥2” meter)

More than five violations may result in loss of irrigation water service.

 

Areas Covered by Stage 2 Restrictions

These rules apply to all customers served by the City of Hickory water system, including:

• City of Hickory customers
• Cities of Conover and Claremont
• Towns of Brookford, Catawba, Long View, and Maiden
• Portions of Alexander and Catawba counties
• Icard Township Water Corporation

 

A Regional, Cooperative Effort

The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW‑DMAG), formed in 2006, brings together public water suppliers, industrial users, state and federal agencies, and Duke Energy to make coordinated decisions that protect the region’s shared water resources.

The City of Hickory works closely with these partners under the Low Inflow Protocol to ensure responsible, basin-wide water management during drought.

 

More Information

To learn more about drought conditions, Stage 2 restrictions, and water‑saving tips, visit www.hickorync.gov/drought. For additional water-saving resources, visit the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group at www.catawbawatereewmg.org. Customers not served by the City of Hickory water system should contact their local water provider for guidance.