Level 1 Drought Conditions

A Level 1 Drought Response has been announced by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for our County.

During Level 1 drought conditions, daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants is allowed each day, with the exception of the mid-day hours between 10am and 4pm. Only water before 10am and after 4pm. Water conservation is strongly encouraged during this time. 

The following outdoor water uses are allowed daily at any time of the day:

  • Commercial agricultural operations as defined in Code Section 1-3-3;
  • Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or stormwater in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines;
  • Reuse of gray water in compliance with Code Section 31-3-5.2 and applicable local board of health regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
  • Use of reclaimed wastewater by a designated user from a system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division of the department to provide reclaimed wastewater;
  • Irrigation of personal food gardens;
  • Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf in landscapes, golf courses, or sports turf fields during installation and for a period of 30 days immediately following the date of installation;
  • Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses;
  • Hand watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container;
  • Use of water withdrawn from private water wells or surface water by an owner or operator of property if such well or surface water is on said property;
  • Irrigation of horticultural crops held for sale, resale, or installation;
  • Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses, or public turf grass recreational areas;
  • Installation, maintenance, or calibration of irrigation systems; or
  • Hydroseeding.

For more information concerning outdoor water use, please go to: http://epd.georgia.gov/outdoor-water-use-information.

Please conserve your indoor and outdoor water use during this time.

Water Conservation Tips

  1. Fix leaks immediately. Regularly check for leaks inside and outside your home.
  2. Don’t leave the tap running. When shaving, brushing your teeth, washing your face, or food, turn off the tap.
  3. Check your toilet for leaks. Put food color in your toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If it seeps into your toilet bowl, you have a leak.
  4. Use the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
  5. Replace older toilets and showerheads with high-efficiency models. If your home was built before 1993, you may qualify for a toilet rebate.
  6. Choose efficient appliances. Look for EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled products when shopping for new appliances and fixtures. These products have been independently tested and verified to save at least 20% more water compared to conventional products.
  7. Scrape dishes before washing them. Avoid using the garbage disposal.  It wastes a lot of water and can contribute to pipe clogs.
  8. Only water plants when necessary. Use a rain gauge and water no more than 1 inch per week. If you do water, only do so between the hours of 4pm and 10am.
  9. Reduce the amount of lawn and landscape with plants or plants well adapted to our region.
  10. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.