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Sunday, June 28, 2026
Charlotte, NC|
policy

Low Inflow Protocol

Five-stage regional drought-response policy operated jointly by Duke Energy and the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. Stages: 0 (watch) → 1 (voluntary conservation) → 2 (mandatory restrictions) → 3 → 4 (emergency). Stage determined by three indicators: reservoir storage, inflow rate, U.S. Drought Monitor classification. Duke evaluates monthly.

Coverage (3 articles)

Six Things to Know from a Heavy Week in Charlotte

Jack Beckett·

Six takeaways from a heavy week at city hall: Stage 2 water restrictions, a unanimous data-center moratorium, a $4.5 billion budget hearing, the NC state-budget framework, the CMS budget reversal, and the MPTA's July 1 deadline.

Other coverage in the Mercury Local network

Charlotte's Stage 1 Drought Hit Monday. Here's What It Means in Ballantyne.

Strolling Ballantyne·

Charlotte Water moved to its first voluntary water restrictions since 2023 on Monday, April 20. Here's what the schedule looks like in Ballantyne, and what the basin-wide trigger means for HOA common areas, the burn ban that came with it, and the watershed picture.

Charlotte Water Moves to Voluntary Restrictions as the Catawba-Wateree Basin Hits Stage 1

The Charlotte Mercury·

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.

Stage 1 Drought Hits the Catawba-Wateree Basin. What Firethorne Needs to Know.

Strolling Firethorne·

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.

Six Things to Know from a Heavy Week in Charlotte

Strolling Ballantyne·

Six takeaways from a heavy week at city hall: Stage 2 water restrictions, a unanimous data-center moratorium, a $4.5 billion budget hearing, the NC state-budget framework, the CMS budget reversal, and the MPTA's July 1 deadline.

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