Level 2 Drought Response
For customers of Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority, watering is currently restricted under a drought response level 2. This means that outdoor watering is restricted to a maximum of twice a week (even addresses and sites with no numbered address may water Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., while those in odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.). However, water only as needed! Remember: In the fall and winter months, outdoor plants need less water. Water when plants show signs of distress (curling, wilting, graying).
What’s Allowed
- 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
- Water from private wells and bodies of water on property
- Hydroseeding
- Irrigation of sports fields, golf courses and public recreational turf areas
- Irrigation of plants for sale
What’s NOT Allowed
- Washing streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways
- Ornamental uses, such as fountains and waterfalls
- Use of fire hydrants, except for the purpose of firefighting, public health, safety, or flushing
- Washing vehicles (cars, boats, etc.) at home
- Non-commercial washing or pressure washing
- Charity, or non-commercial fundraiser, car washes
What You Need to Know About Commercial Water Uses
For businesses with lawns, gardens and trees, all of the above restrictions apply. These include restrictions regarding the days and times when watering is allowed, as well as the six uses above that are not allowed. However, other commercial uses of water that are essential to daily business are allowed. If you have questions about whether your commercial water use is subject to restriction, please ask your water utility or the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
A few additional exceptions to the Level 2 outdoor watering restrictions can be found on GA Environmental Protection Division’s site, which includes a copy of the state’s drought management rule. If you would like more information on other variances for Level 2 Drought Response that have been granted by GA EPD across the state, click here.
Did You Know?
Across most of metro Atlanta, our water supply comes from a surface water source. When it doesn’t rain to replenish this surface water source, supplies may experience stress.
Steps Metro Atlanta Residents Can Take to Conserve Water
- Only water plants when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
- Check for and repair leaks inside and outside your home.
- Fix leaking toilets. This can save you hundreds of gallons a day.
- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving. This could save a total of 12 gallons a day.
- Shorten your shower by 2 minutes and save 5 gallons of water per shower.
- Fill dishwashers and washing machines. Remove laundry right away to prevent souring and to avoid having to double wash.
- Properly winterize your irrigation system so that your lines do not freeze and burst over the cold winter months.
- Replace older toilets and shower heads with high efficiency models. If your home was built before 1994, you may qualify for a toilet rebate.
- Choose efficient appliances. Look for EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled products when shopping for new appliances and fixtures.
Find more conservation tips at My Drop Counts.