Don’t go outside to water the lawn just yet.
New restrictions are in place as of Nov. 17, when Fayette County was placed under a Level 2 drought response by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Mirroring conditions more in line with summer, a 52-county area of north Georgia has been affected by this action.
Under the Level 2 drought response, outdoor watering of lawns, gardens and trees is limited to a maximum of twice a week and only at certain times on certain days.
For even-numbered addresses and properties without numbered addresses, watering is allowed between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday. For odd-numbered addresses, it is the same times Thursday and Sunday.
Several other outdoor watering activities are prohibited for the time being, such as:
· Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks.
· Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains.
· The use of fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety.
· Non-commercial washing of vehicles.
· Non-commercial pressure washing.
· Fundraising car washes.
“While Fayette County’s reservoirs are more favorable than many of our neighbors, the entire region is far below normal rainfall for this time of year and water demands remain above normal,” said Fayette County Water System Director Lee Pope. “These two facts have placed our region in a very serious condition. We urge all Fayette County citizens to be very mindful of their individual water use during this time.”
Pope gave a report to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners a few weeks ago in which he predicted a Level 2 response would come but also added that the county’s reservoirs are in excellent shape for the time being.
For more information and to view the Level 2 Drought Response Residential Fact Sheet, visit www.fayettecountyga.gov.
