Georgia EPD Elevates Drought Response Levels, Further Restricts

Faced with worsening drought conditions in about three-fourths of the state, along with water supply concerns in some areas, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared it will raise the state’s drought response to Level 2 in 52 counties and impose a Level 1 Drought Response in an additional 58 counties.

This places Rockdale County at a current Level 2.

“Today’s declaration is driven by an extended period of little or no rain and increasing dryness in the impacted areas,” EPD Director Richard Dunn said. “What’s more, there is little hope for relief as weather forecasters expect an unusually warm, dry winter across most of the state.”

This week marks the 24th week of continuous severe drought in northwest Georgia, the 22nd week for the Atlanta metro area, the 21st week in northeastern parts of the state and the 15th week in central Georgia. In addition, there is a decline in soil moisture and some streams are flowing at or below record lows set during droughts in 2007 and 2011.

During a Level 2 Drought Response, outdoor landscape watering is only allowed two days a week determined by odd- and even-numbered addresses.

Even-numbered addresses and properties without numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Prohibited outdoor water uses include:

•       Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks
•       Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains
•       Using fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety
•       Non-commercial vehicle washing
•       Non-commercial pressure washing
•       Fundraising car washes

Rockdale County has mandatory restrictions in place which also include:

•       Non-recycling commercial washes must reduce monthly consumption by 10 percent based upon the prior average usage from February through August.
•       Swimming pools may only be filled on designated lawn irrigation days.
•       Restaurants may not serve patrons water unless specifically asked.

The following activities are allowed under both Level 1 and Level 2 Drought responses:

•       Irrigation of personal food gardens any time of day.
•       Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed or turf any time of day for 30 days after installation.
•       Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses at any time of day and hand-watering with a hose with automatic cut off or handheld container at any time of day.
•       General landscape watering between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the designated days.

The State’s and Rockdale County’s rules for drought management and outdoor water use have changed since the last major drought. For more information, including tips for water conservation, check:

http://epd.georgia.gov/water-conservation

http://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Household-Water-Assessment.pdf