Statesville Will Begin Fining Residents for Water Violations Starting May 4

Statesville will start issuing fines at 8 a.m. on May 4. The city plans to crack down on water restriction violations as Stage 3 drought grips the region.

Fines could hit $600. First-time offenders pay $200, second violations cost $400, and any after that mean $600 out of pocket.

The city draws authority from 15A NCAC 02E .0607, the City of Statesville Code of Ordinances Section 23 Division 2, and the Water Shortage Response Plan that passed on June 5, 2023. After the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council declared a drought advisory, Statesville assembled its Water Shortage Leadership Team on April 22.

If conditions ease to Stage 2, penalties would shrink. A first offense would cost $100, while second-time violators would pay $200, and subsequent infractions would bring $300 fines.

Irrigation has been banned across the board except in narrow circumstances. Trees and beds can receive water through bubble systems, drip lines, or by hand.

Homes with odd street numbers may water Saturday at 8 p.m. through Sunday at 8 a.m. Even-numbered properties and those without numbers get Sunday at 8 p.m. until Monday at 8 a.m. Golf course fairways and athletic fields need a special watering plan that the Director must approve.

In many neighborhoods, a green, manicured lawn is a point of pride. Longtime homeowner Gordon Scott said he waters his grass regularly, but he and his neighbors know that may soon change.

“Hopefully it will rain,” Scott said, according to WSOC-TV. “If the amount of water we're lacking causes us to have to quit watering our grass, we just have to quit watering our grass.”

Many activities are now off-limits. Washing cars at home is banned.

Decorative water features like fountains and fishless ponds can't run. Pool filling is prohibited, though you can top off existing pools. Public buildings, sidewalks, and streets can't be washed unless safety or public health demands it. The city has banned dust control, street cleaning, and hydrant flushing unless required to maintain safety, water quality, or meet regulations.

Residents should cut back wherever possible. More restrictions might come if the drought persists or worsens.