Current Drought Conditions

As of Friday, May 15, 2026, tgraphic of a dial with the arrow pointing toward mandatory drought restrictionshe City of Kannapolis is in Level 2 drought restrictions. This level includes Mandatory Water Restrictions for Kannapolis residents.

The goal during Level 2 drought restrictions is to reduce the City's system-wide water use by 5% to 10%.

Stay informed by checking this page regularly and following us on Facebook

 

 

 

Drought News & Updates 

May 22, 2026 | Cities of Concord and Kannapolis Update Mandatory Water Restrictions

The City of Concord and the City of Kannapolis are updating mandatory water restrictions to further align with regional partners and provide customers with more options for watering their gardens. (read more) 

 

May 15, 2026 | City Moves to Mandatory Water Restrictions on May 15

The City of Kannapolis will move to Level 2 mandatory water restrictions beginning today, Friday, May 15, 2026. The mandatory water restrictions are needed to help protect the regional water supply by reducing nonessential water use. (read more)

 

May 8, 2026 | City Will Move to Mandatory Water Restrictions Beginning May 15

In coordination with regional partners, the City of Concord and the City of Kannapolis will move to Level 2 mandatory water restrictions beginning Friday, May 15, 2026. Despite some rainfall earlier this week, drought conditions persist throughout Concord, Kannapolis, and across Cabarrus and Rowan counties. (read more)

 

April 20, 2026 | City Enters Voluntary Water Restrictions

Due to drought conditions in Kannapolis and the region, the City of Kannapolis is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water immediately. Kannapolis, Cabarrus County and the region are experiencing extreme drought conditions. (read more)

 


 

What Does This Mean for Me? 

Water Use Restrictions

  • Watering and irrigation of lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants is limited to the following times:
    • Tuesdays after 8 p.m. – Wednesdays before 8 a.m.
    • Saturdays after 8 p.m. – Sundays before 8 a.m.
  • You must apply for a permit to fill newly constructed or drained pools. Pool filling permit can be found here. 
    • You may top off swiming pools.
  • No residential car washing at anytime.
  • No home or driveway pressure washing at any time. 
  • Outdoor fountains/ornamental water use is not permitted, unless supporting fish. 
  • Washing of public buildings, sidewalks and streets is prohibited, unless required for safety or health regulations.
  • You may use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or handheld watering containers and handheld hoses for watering gardens.
  • You can use commercial car washes that recycle water. 
  • Customers with private wells, not connected to the City water system, are not subject to these restrictions. You may request a "Well Water Irrigation" sign for your home or business here. 

Remember: Drought restrictions apply to homes and businesses. 

How You Can Help

  • Follow all drought guidelines. 
  • Practice water-saving habits inside your home and businesses.
  • Stay informed by checking this page regularly and following us on Facebook

Still Have Questions 

Violations 

Violations will be enforced and may be reported to 704-920-4444.

 


 

Drought Levels Explained

Level 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Measures

At this stage of water use restrictions, the goal is to reduce the City's system-wide water usage by 3% to 5%.

Level 2 Manadatory Water Conservation Measures 

At this stage of water use restrictions, the goal is to reduce the City's system-wide water usage by 5% to 10%.

Level 3 Enhanced Water Conservation Measures 

At this stage of water use restrictions, the goal is to reduce the City's system-wide water usage by 10% to 20%.

Level 4 Emergency Water Conservation Measuers 

At this stage of water use restrictions, the goal is to reduce the City's system-wide water usage by 20% to 30%.

You can track drought conditions in our state by visiting the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council website at https://www.ncdrought.org/.