Water Use Rules in Cary, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Cary or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cary has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Leak Reporting Duty

Cary treats an unrepaired plumbing leak as prohibited water waste, requiring the customer to fix it once notified by the utilities director.

Key details: Trigger: Leak unrepaired beyond reasonable time. Notice period: Up to 30 days to fix. Issued by: Town utilities director or designee. Effective through: Local ord. 2024-Code-04 (12-12-2024).

Civil penalty under the town fee schedule if the leak isn't fixed within the notice period (immediate to 30 days); the director may also restrict or terminate water service.

Recycled Water Rules

The Town of Cary, North Carolina requires property owners to switch irrigation systems from potable town water to reclaimed water within 90 days of notice that reclaimed water is available.

Key details: Deadline: 90 days after notice of availability. Penalty: Fine up to $500 (Sec. 1-9). Continuing violation: Each day a separate offense. Trigger: Director's written notice reclaimed water is available. Jurisdiction: Town of Cary, Wake/Chatham Counties, NC.

Using potable water past the 90-day deadline is a Code violation; § 1-9 sets a fine up to $500, with each day of continued noncompliance treated as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Cary's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cary is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Cary can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.