On November 17, 2016, the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) declared a Level 2 Drought Response for a 52 county area which includes Paulding County. The severe drought has persisted into the Fall. From March through October 2016, our rainfall is nearly 13 inches below normal. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that dry, warm weather will persist through the Winter.
We always encourage our customer to conserve water, but it is more important than ever that we use water responsibly both indoors and outdoors. Remember that in the Fall and Winter months, outdoor plants need less water. Only water when plants show signs of distress (curling, wilting, graying foliage).
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 Wednesday and Saturday before 10 am and after 4:00 pm. Odd-numbered addresses may water Thursday and Sunday before 10 am and after 4:00 pm.
The following outdoor water uses are prohibited during a Level 2 Drought Response: washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks, water for ornamental purposes such as fountains, the use of fire hydrants except for firefighting, public safety and flushing, non-commercial vehicle washing including fundraising car washes, and non-commercial pressure washing.
What’s Allowed
The following practices are not subject to the before 10 am and after 4 pm or twice a week restrictions:
- Irrigation of personal food gardens
- Irrigation of new and replanted seed, turf or plants for a period of 30 days following installation
- Watering with drip irrigation or soaker hose
- Hand watering, including hoses with shut-off nozzles
- Use of water withdrawn from private water wells
More water conservation information and detailed information about the drought response are available at http://epd.georgia.gov/water-conservation; http://northgeorgiawater.org/current-water-stats/drought-status/