Mandatory Water Restrictions Are Here—And So Are the Questions We Can’t Ignore
Growth, Responsibility, and Our Shared Resources
Friends,
Charlotte Water has now issued mandatory water restrictions as our region faces ongoing drought conditions.
Beginning May 15, residents will be required to significantly reduce non-essential water use—limiting lawn irrigation, halting car washing at home, and restricting other non-essential activities.
This is not a hypothetical situation.
It is a moment that demands both action and accountability.
Conservation and Consistency
Let me be clear: I support responsible conservation measures. When conditions demand action, we must respond. But leadership also requires us to ask harder questions—especially about fairness, accountability, and long-term planning.
While families across Charlotte are being asked to cut back, we are currently allowing data centers by right—without the level of scrutiny this moment demands. These facilities place significant demands on our water supply, energy grid, and land use systems.
Defining Smart Growth
This is not about being anti-growth. I believe in growth. I believe in innovation. I believe in Charlotte’s future. But growth must be responsible—and it must be guided by clear standards.
Right now, that is not the case.
We have seen what happens when we wait too long. The last time Charlotte entered mandatory water restrictions was during the 2007–2009 drought. We should not need another crisis to take a more thoughtful approach.
The Need for Guardrails
Under current city ordinance, these restrictions can be implemented administratively to respond quickly to changing conditions. That flexibility is important, but it cannot replace public accountability.
That is why I continue to call for a public hearing on data center development and resource impact. Let me be direct: We cannot continue allowing data centers by right, without guardrails.
Not when we are asking residents to conserve.
Not when our shared resources are under pressure.
Not when the long-term impacts are still not fully addressed.
At its core, this is about a simple principle: Growth should pay its own way. It should not quietly shift costs onto residents—whether through strained infrastructure, resource limitations, or reactive policy decisions.
The Choice Ahead
The vote to advance a public hearing was split earlier this week. But this issue is not going away. If anything, the move to mandatory water restrictions makes the conversation more urgent—not less.
We still have an opportunity to lead. To put clear guardrails in place. To ensure that our policies reflect both our values and the realities we are facing today. Because responsible leadership is not just about responding to challenges; it is about making the right decisions before those challenges become crises.
If you believe Charlotte deserves smart, responsible growth—not growth at any cost—I encourage you to stay engaged, share your voice, and continue this conversation.
The future of our city depends on the choices we make now.
Thank you for being part of it.
In service,