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:

1. Reservoir levels
2. Water flowing into the reservoirs
3. Drought classifications from the U.S. Drought Monitor