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City Services

Public Works & Utility Department

Emergency Water Conservation Stage III

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Question: Why did we go to Stage III Emergency water conservation?

Answer: Water storage levels in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin and stream flows have fallen seriously below adequate levels. Significant conservation actions are needed now to help ensure adequate water supplies are available if drought conditions continue for an extended period of time.


Question: Are we out of water?

Answer:No. The City of Gastonia has invested wisely in the water intake on Mountain Island Lake. Because of this, we have had no shortage of water so far. Since we share water resources with other nearby cities and towns, we will conserve water to help our neighbors. Water quantity and quality is a regional issue. Additionally, if drought conditions continue, any water we conserve now will extend water availability to everyone in the region.


Question: What does Stage III mean?

Answer: Stage III means water conservation is mandatory, like stage II, while stage I means voluntary. Stage III requires water customers to reduce consumption in an effort to achieve a goal of twenty-five (25%) percent reduction in average usage.


Question: Can I wash my car at home?

Answer: No, you cannot wash your car at home.


Question: Will there be penalties for residential violations?

Answer:Yes. The following civil penalties will apply after being notified of the mandatory restrictions:


First Offense: A warning

Second Offense: Civil penalty in the amount of $100

Third Offense: Civil penalty in the amount of $250

Fourth & Successive: Civil penalty in the amount of $500

Question: What are the civil penalties for non-residential facilities?

Answer: First Offense: A warning
Second Offense: Civil penalty in the amount of $500
Third Offense: Civil penalty in the amount of $1,000
Fourth & Successive: Civil penalty in the amount of $2,000


Question: I have a private well. Does this apply to me?

Answer: Yes. According to Article 14-833 of the City Code, these water restrictions shall apply to all City of Gastonia water customers and persons using water from a private water system or individually owned well system inside the city limits.


Question: Can variances be obtained?

Answer: Yes. Variances can be applied for by completing the variance form located on the City of Gastonia’s website Click here for a copy. The application should be notarized and submitted to the Director of Public Works and Utilities. A variance may be issued in instances where the mandated water restrictions cannot be met without threatening health or safety, or if there has been a significant change in the customer’s entity’s or personal circumstances.


Question: Who can apply for a variance?

Answer: Both residential and non-residential customers.


Question: What should a variance request include?

Answer: Variance requests may be granted considering the factors below, relieving such customer, person or entity from compliance with any of the requirements of these regulations in whole or part, if such customer, person or entity demonstrates:

• That undue hardship would otherwise result;


• That there are no possible alternatives;


• That the applicant has taken and will take all reasonable measures to conserve water, with a complete description of such measures and the water savings to be effected; and


• That such variance is not inconsistent with the purpose of these water shortage orders.

Question:Can I water my lawn or run my irrigation system?

Answer: Irrigation systems cannot be used. Water only by a hand held hose with an automatic shut off nozzle during the following designated days & times. Properties east of highway 321 may water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 7:00 pm and 5:00 am the following morning. Properties west of highway 321 may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 7:00 pm and 5:00 am the following morning. Shrubbery, vegetable gardens, flowers, etc., can be watered with a hand-held container or hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle and only between the hours of 7:00 pm and 5:00 am the following morning.


Question: Can restaurants serve water?

Answer: Yes. Only upon customer request.


Question: Can tree farms and nurseries use water?

Answer: Yes. Any use of water that is critical to the function of a business or institution or has significant value to the community is permitted. However, consumption shall be reduced by 25% of average monthly use.


Question: Can farmland be watered?

Answer: Yes, if it is critical to the function of a business or institution or has significant value to the community it is permitted. However, consumption shall be reduced by 25% of average monthly use.


Question:Can I put water in my fountain, pool or pond?

Answer: No, the use of all ornamental fountains is unlawful. Filling and refilling of swimming pools and ponds is unlawful for residential customers. Commercial and multi-family usage shall be reduced by 25%.


Question: Can I wash down my driveway, sidewalk or street?

Answer: No. Water cannot be used to wash down driveways, sidewalks or streets.


Question: Who should I call with questions?

Answer: Call the City of Gastonia at 704-866-6027.


Question: Where can I find water conservation tips?

Answer: Water conservation tips are located on the City of Gastonia’s Website, Click here for Water Conservation Tips.