Due to drought conditions in Kannapolis and the region, the City of Kannapolis is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water immediately. Kannapolis, Cabarrus County and the region are experiencing extreme drought conditions. Rainfall for the City of Kannapolis was 7.6 inches below normal in 2025 and currently the City is an additional 4 inches below normal rainfall in 2026.
Beginning today, April 20, the City of Kannapolis will be in Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions. The goal is for residents to reduce their water use by 3-5% until there is significant rainfall.
“We are hopeful that we will have rainfall and the drought will lessen but at this time we need to conserve water. Our winter and spring months have been very dry and typical Spring rain showers have not occurred. We do appreciate anything residents can do to conserve water,” said Alex Anderson, Kannapolis Water Resources Director.
Stage 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Measures:
Defer planting new ornamental plants and seeding of lawns until the water emergency no longer exists. If deferment is not possible, limit irrigation to between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Reuse household water where practical, such as for irrigation
Customers are encouraged to check irrigation systems to ensure they are optimized for the correct water usage. Additional water reductions are possible by limiting irrigation days to a Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday watering schedule.
We ask all customers to limit their irrigation to between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Use commercial car washes that recycle water and limit washing vehicles at home to Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Limit washing of driveways, sidewalks, and parking areas to the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Do not leave faucets running while shaving, brushing teeth, or washing dishes
Limit use of washing machines and dishwashers; operate only with full loads
Check toilets and faucets for leaks and make repairs
Defer filling of swimming pools or limit filling to overnight hours (7 p.m. – 8 a.m.)
Use showers instead of baths and limit shower duration
The City’s Downtown Fountains will continue to be in use as they recycle the water they use. The Atrium Health Ballpark Splash Pad is self-operated and will be in use Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays during park hours and during Kannapolis Cannon Baller baseball games. (The Village Park Splash Pad is currently closed and not scheduled to open until Memorial Day Weekend).
As a reminder North Carolina remains under a statewide burn ban. The ban was issued by the N.C. Forrest Service and prohibits all open burning across the entire state. You may use a grill outside, but all other burning is restricted.