Lakes & Vegetative Buffers

Lake

Help Us Protect Water Quality in City of Monroe Lakes and Streams

City of Monroe lakes (Twitty, Lee, and Monroe) are now listed on the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Impaired Water 303 (d) List. Please help us be good stewards of our water resources! For additional information, please review the following links for ways you can help.

Lake Information

The City of Monroe owns three man-made lakes, Lake Twitty (1972), Lake Monroe (1958), and Lake Lee (1929). These lakes were constructed to supply drinking water to the City. 

Use and operation of City lakes is regulated by stringent North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources drinking water supply regulations, Title 15A, Subchapter 18C. The City of Monroe City Lakes Ordinance also regulates lake activities. These regulations are designed to protect the quality of water that will be needed to supply the City's drinking water needs. 

Fluctuating City Lake Levels Are a Normal Part of Efficient Water Supply Operations

View additional information on the fluctuating lake levels and the impact on City water supply: Water Resources Flucuating Lake Levels (PDF)

Visiting Our Lakes

Lakes are Closed for Season

The City of Monroe has closed Lakes Lee, Monroe, and Twitty for the season. The lakes operate on a seasonal schedule, open annually from March through November, with the spring 2026 reopening scheduled for March 1, 2026.

Important Reminders:

  • All recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and other lake-related uses, are prohibited during the seasonal closure.
  • All boats must be removed from the lakes by the closure date.

For questions regarding the closure, please contact the Water Resources Department at (704) 282-4601.

Important Information

  • All visitors must check in with the Lake Inspector upon arrival
  • No swimming, wading, or throwing nets. Our lakes are used as a drinking supply, and we must follow strict regulations prohibiting swimming or any body contact. 
  • Pets are not allowed in the water and must be on leash
  • No alcoholic beverages

Fees

The City of Monroe charges nominal fees for lake use to help with lake operations. These fees must be paid upon arrival and are CASH ONLY. We do not accept credit cards or personal checks. 

Lake Use Fees
Boat Entry$4 per boat
Fishing from bank$3 per person, per day
Fishing from boat$3 per person, per day


Boating Information

  • Boats or vessels must not exceed 20 feet in length
  • Boats or vessels with motors must not exceed 20 horsepower (variance for 25 horsepower is allowed)
  • Sailing craft may be used on Lake Twitty during hours designated by the Superintendent of Water Treatment. No sailing craft are permitted on Lake Lee or Lake Monroe. 

Reporting Concerns

Please call our main office at 704-282-4601 to report a concern or get additional information. If you are calling outside of regular business hours, please leave a message and someone will respond to you the next business day. For emergencies, call 911. 

More Information

For more information, please read our Lake and Boating activities (PDF). 

Lake Twitty

2213 Old Camden Road
704-292-7794
Closed Monday
Lake Inspector: Terry Faircloth

Lake Monroe

2312 Medlin Road
704-291-7135
Open Daily
Lake Inspector: Willie Smith

Lake Lee

1700 Pageland Highway
704-283-4263
Closed Sunday and Tuesday
Lake Inspector: Ken Kendall