Current Water Restrictions

Last modified Thursday, June 19, 2008 16:04

Georgia is in the throes of a protracted drought that has reduced flows into the reservoirs that supply much of metro Atlanta's water. With extreme drought conditions stretching across the northern third of Georgia and a forecast for a dry summer, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has announced that level four outdoor watering restrictions will remain in place for 55 counties in North Georgia. However, the level four restrictions have been lifted in six counties where drought conditions have improved and replaced with level two watering restrictions. Level 4 drought restrictions prohibit outdoor watering except for personal vegetable gardens and landscaping newly installed by a certified professional. Limited exemptions for landscape and swimming pools apply. Check with your local water supplier for restrictions in your area.

Some of the most effective ways to reduce water use include:

Fix leaks. This includes plumbing joints, toilets, faucets, and showerheads. The average home loses about 8% or more of its water use to leaks.
Shorten your shower. Decrease your shower time and save 2.5 gallons a minute. Keep them under 5 minutes to really be a water saver!
Turn off the faucet. Save up to two gallons a minute when brushing your teeth, shaving and lathering up your hands.
Run only full-loads in your dishwashing machine and clothes washer and save gallons each time! Want to save more? Turn off the faucet and fill up the sink to rinse dishes or don’t pre-rinse dishes at all.
Retrofit older plumbing fixtures. Shower heads should use 2.0 gallons per minute or less. Kitchen faucets should be 2.5 gallons per minute or less. Bathroom faucets should be 2.0 gallons or less. Toilets should be 1.6 gallons per flush or less.

Businesses can conserve by observing these water conservation tips for business.

ARC has prepared a list of water conservation facts and tips to help you save water both indoors and out.

The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District offers a number of resources to help homeowners reduce water use.

More information about outdoor water use: