Full Notification

City of Marion to Issue Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert

MARION, N.C. — Due to continued extreme drought conditions impacting the region, the City of Marion will implement a Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert effective Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

The Stage 2 alert follows the Stage 1 Water Shortage Advisory issued on April 24, 2026, after McDowell County was classified within the Extreme Drought Category. At that time, the City requested all water customers voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by at least five percent (5%) in accordance with the requirements of the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group’s Low Inflow Protocol.

Due to the continued extreme drought conditions, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group has now required that our area escalate its water conservation efforts to include mandatory water use restrictions. In compliance with the requirements of the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group’s Low Inflow Protocol and the City of Marion’s Water Conservation Ordinance, the City of Marion will issue a Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert beginning at 8:00 A.M. on May 15, 2026.

Entering a Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert means that, in addition to continuing to encourage all water customers to voluntarily reduce daily water consumption, the City will implement mandatory restrictions prohibiting all Class 3 water uses for the duration of the water shortage
until the alert is officially lifted.

Class 3 water uses include the following:

• Ornamental uses such as fountains, reflecting pools, and artificial waterfalls
• Outdoor noncommercial watering (public or private)
• Watering of gardens, lawns, parks, golf courses (excluding greens), playing fields, and other recreational areas
• Filling and operation of residential swimming pools serving fewer than twenty-five (25) dwellings
• Noncommercial washing of motor vehicles
• Serving water in restaurants, clubs, or dining establishments except upon specific request

Media Contact:
Katelyn R. Stinson
Assistant to Manager/City Clerk/Public Information Officer
[email protected] | 828-652-3551