The voluntary drought restrictions we reported in late April are being replaced. Charlotte Water escalates to mandatory restrictions on Friday, May 15, under Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol — the first time the region has reached this level since 2009.

Parts of Mecklenburg County are now classified as "exceptional" drought, the most severe designation on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Irrigation: Two days per week maximum, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses water Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses water Wednesdays and Sundays.

Pools: Topping off allowed Thursdays and Sundays only, overnight. Filling a pool from empty is prohibited.

Prohibited: Home vehicle washing, non-essential power washing, decorative water features without aquatic life, and charity car washes.

Still allowed: Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, hand-watering, and commercial car washes.

Fines start at $100. Charlotte Water's target is a 5 to 10 percent reduction in total usage.

Mecklenburg County's burn ban — in effect since May 4 — covers all county parks: no charcoal or gas grills, no fire pits, no open flames.

Full details in The Charlotte Mercury's Stage 2 breakdown.