PUBLIC NOTICE
Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert Remains in Effect – Notice of Enforcement
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stage 2 Water Shortage Alert issued by the City of Marion on May 15, 2026 remains in effect for all customers served by the City of Marion water system.
Due to the continued severe drought conditions affecting the Catawba-Wateree River Basin and the continued decline in water levels at the City's raw water intakes, the City of Marion will begin strict enforcement of the mandatory Stage 2 restrictions.
The following Class 3 water uses remain prohibited:
a. Ornamental purposes: Fountains, reflecting pools, and artificial waterfalls.
b. Outdoor noncommercial watering (public or private)
c. Gardens, lawns, parks, golf courses (except greens), playing fields and other recreational
areas.
d. Filling and operation of recreational swimming pools which serve fewer than twenty-five (25) dwellings.
e. Noncommercial washing of motor vehicles.
f. Serving water in restaurants, clubs, or eating places except by specific request.
This notice serves as official notification that violations of the City of Marion Water Conservation Ordinance will result in enforcement action.
As authorized by the ordinance:
- Any person violating the mandatory water restrictions may be subject to a civil penalty of up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each violation.
- Subsequent or continued violations may result in the termination of water service until compliance is achieved, as permitted by the City of Marion Water Conservation Ordinance.
The actions taken by water customers over the coming days are critical. Failure to immediately reduce non-essential water use could require the City to move to even stricter water shortage measures in order to maintain adequate water supplies and ensure continued service to all customers.
The City will continue to monitor drought conditions and will notify the public when restrictions are modified or lifted.
Since the update on Friday, conditions at the City's raw water intakes have continued to worsen. Water levels have declined further, reinforcing the need for every customer to comply with the mandatory Stage 2 Water Shortage restrictions.
Your cooperation today can help prevent the need for even stricter conservation measures in the days ahead.
