05/22/2026
Drought - Stage 2 "Quick Read"
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MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
Lancaster County Water & Sewer District
Stage 2 Drought • Effective May 15, 2026
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OUR GOAL
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Reduce community-wide water use by 5–10%. If we don't hit that,
stricter rules may follow.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
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1) LAWN & GARDEN WATERING — by address number, 2 AM to 10 AM only
• Even addresses: Tuesday & Saturday
• Odd / no number: Wednesday & Sunday
(Avoid watering at all if you can.)
2) STOP THESE ACTIVITIES
• Washing personal vehicles
• Power washing (homeowners)
• Filling swimming pools (topping off is allowed)
• Running decorative fountains that don't support aquatic life
3) EXCEPTIONS
Licensed businesses and community-serving functions
(e.g., car washes & commercial power washing) may continue.
PENALTIES FOR HIGH WATER USE
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Stage 2 Surcharge rates apply automatically starting with the August 2026 bills, which are for usage dates beginning on
June 12th:
Residential and ¾” meter Volumetric Rate (per 1,000 gals)
Tier 1 Up to 10,000 gal Normal rate $4.83
Tier 2 10,000–20,000 gal 2.5× normal rate $12.08
Tier 3 Over 20,000 gal 3× normal rate $14.49
For Non-Residential and larger meter Volumetric Rates, see full rate chart: www.lcwasd.org/alert/drought-alert-stage-2
WHY THIS IS HAPPENING
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Rainfall has been below average 17 of 19 months since 2024, and every month since September 2025.
The Catawba-Wateree River Basin has officially entered Stage 2
of its Low Inflow Protocol — the first time since 2009.
As a member utility, LCWSD is required to enforce these
restrictions to protect the region's shared water supply.
QUESTIONS?
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• Web: www.lcwasd.org
