Charlotte Water's voluntary restrictions are being upgraded. Mandatory rules take effect Friday, May 15, under Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol — the region's first Stage 2 since 2009. When we covered the voluntary phase in late April, the basin was at Stage 1. It has since reached "exceptional" drought, the worst classification, for the first time since 2008.

For Fourth Ward, the restrictions with the most direct impact:

Power washing for non-essential purposes is now prohibited. For the neighborhood's older facades and common-area maintenance, that means structural and safety-related washing only.

Decorative water features that do not support aquatic life must be shut off.

Home vehicle washing is not permitted. Commercial car washes remain open.

Irrigation — for private landscaping and any common green space — is limited to two days per week, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses water Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses water Wednesdays and Sundays. Drip irrigation and hand-watering remain allowed.

Pool topping: Thursdays and Sundays only, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Filling from empty is prohibited.

Fines start at $100.

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

Charlotte Water's target is a 5 to 10 percent reduction in total regional usage. For the full regional breakdown, see The Charlotte Mercury's Stage 2 report.