Due to extended dry weather and below-average rainfall, York County Utilities has entered Stage 2 of its water conservation plan and is implementing mandatory water use restrictions. York County received about half of the average rain total so far in 2026.

On May 01, 2026, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) announced that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has entered Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) due to extremely dry conditions that have persisted for months. As a participating member, York County Utilities, as a member of the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group, supports elevating the drought status to Stage 2 restrictions, as defined in Chapter 54 of the York County Code of Ordinances.

Water restrictions are necessary as drought conditions continue, to protect our water system and ensure reliable service for essential needs. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group uses data, including river and lake levels, stream levels feeding the river, and the U.S. Drought Monitor to determine drought stages. The group reviews data every other week to monitor conditions. You can learn more here. 

Stage 2 triggers mandatory conservation measures for public water utilities and major water users. York County is asking both residential AND commercial customers to reduce non-essential water use. The County’s goal is a reduction of water by 5 -10 percent.

To achieve this goal, the following mandatory water use restrictions are now in effect: 

• Lawn Irrigation is limited to two days per week between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. 
  • Odd Number Addresses – Tuesday & Saturday
  • Even Number Addresses – Wednesday & Sunday
  • Note: Use low-volume, drip irrigation and handheld watering methods in place of sprinklers and automated irrigation systems is encouraged and are not subject to time-of-day restrictions on permitted watering days.
• Limit washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, and other hard surfaces.
• Prohibit washing of buildings except when necessary for fire protection.
• Prohibit flushing of gutters.
• Prohibit use of water for ornamental fountains, waterfalls, misting systems, and decorative water features, except as necessary to sustain aquatic life.
• Limit residential vehicle washing to the designated irrigation days and times. The use of commercial car washes that recycle water is encouraged. 
  • Commercial vehicle washing (e.g., dealerships and rental fleets) is limited to once per week, except when required for health and safety.
• Limit irrigation of golf courses and associated grounds.
• Allow professional landscaping, nursery, and pressure washing businesses to continue operations using handheld hoses equipped with spring-loaded nozzles.

These conservation measures are critical to protecting the local water supply and reducing the risk of further restrictions under Stage 3 drought conditions.

York County staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.