Drought Conditions Keep Hickory in Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol
Because drought conditions continue, Hickory remains in Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). All customers must continue following the required water‑use restrictions.
Irrigation Restrictions
Under Stage 2, the following rules 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
During Stage 2, the following are not allowed:
- Irrigating 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 restrictions 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
Why Stage 2 Continues
Drought stage is determined by three key factors:
- Reservoir levels
- Water flowing into the reservoirs
- Drought classifications from the U.S. Drought Monitor
While conditions are slowly improving, they have not improved enough to reduce restrictions. All three indicators must return to Stage 1 before the region can officially move back to Stage 1 and ease restrictions.
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.