Charlotte's May 15 Water Restrictions: Can You Still Get Your Home Pressure Washed?
If you've been planning to get your home or driveway cleaned, you've probably heard that Charlotte is under water restrictions — and you may be wondering whether exterior cleaning is even allowed right now. Here's the straightforward answer, based on the current rules.
What's in effect
On May 15, 2026, Charlotte Water moved to mandatory water restrictions (its Low Inflow Protocol, Stage 2) in response to ongoing drought conditions. The restrictions apply across Charlotte Water's service area — residents, community associations, and businesses — and are enforced, with fines reported to start at $100 (plus court costs).
Among the outdoor rules being reported: lawn irrigation limited to about two days per week during overnight hours only, no discretionary washing of vehicles at home, no filling residential pools (limited top-offs only), no operating decorative water features that don't support aquatic life, and no non-essential, discretionary power washing.
So can you still get your home pressure washed?
Yes — when the work is done by a licensed, professional power-washing business. While discretionary, do-it-yourself power washing by homeowners is prohibited under Stage 2, guidance on the restrictions indicates that licensed power-washing businesses may continue operating, because professional washing is treated as a permitted community and business use rather than discretionary household water use.
In other words, the activity itself isn't banned — the rules distinguish between a homeowner running a hose for non-essential washing and a registered, professional company performing the work.
What "licensed business" means in North Carolina
North Carolina does not issue a statewide pressure-washing license, so "licensed business" is generally interpreted to mean a legitimately registered, legal business — for example, a company organized as an LLC or corporation, with the proper registrations, liability insurance, and compliance with local and state requirements. (We cover exactly what to look for in our follow-up post.)
A responsible note
Even when professional work is permitted, conserving water is the spirit of the restrictions. Professional equipment is typically far more water-efficient than a homeowner's garden hose, and a good company will work efficiently and responsibly. Drought stages can also change, so it's always worth confirming the current rules with Charlotte Water before scheduling.
The NOVA approach
NOVA is a registered, insured, owner-operated business serving the Charlotte area. We're equipped to clean your home efficiently and responsibly — and we'll always work within the current restrictions.
Sources
- City of Charlotte — Mandatory Water Restrictions
- Charlotte Water — Drought Resources
- Law Firm Carolinas — Charlotte Water Restrictions Begin May 15: What Associations, Managers, and Vendors Need to Know
- Mecklenburg County — Conservation efforts as mandatory restrictions take effect
Have questions about cleaning your home during the restrictions? Contact NOVA or call (980) 266-4818.