Fayette County got even tougher on water violators Thursday night by voting to turn off irrigation meters Dec.2.
The vote was split 3-2 with Commissioners Jack Smith, Eric Maxwell and Robert Horgan supporting it, while Commissioners Peter Pfeifer and Herb Frady voted against it. The vote affects 260 residents in the county who have irrigation meters, said water system director Tony Parrott.
Parrott said system officials have noticed activity on some of the meters and are not sure if the water use is legal. The only exceptions to the outdoor watering ban is for the installation of new landscaping and Parrott said there’s no way to tell if that’s what the water is being used for.
Before the vote numerous landscapers asked the County Commission to look for a less draconian way to cut water use.
“Everything you do has a big impact on our business,” said landscaper Brian Arnold.
But Commission Chairman Jack Smith said the county has little choice in the matter.
“We’re just trying to comply with state regulations,” he said.
Parrott added that many of the irrigation meters are in Peachtree City and Tyrone because residents don’t want the outdoor water usage as part of their sewer bill.
Still, some on the County Commission felt other alternatives should be examined before the meters were cut off.
“I just don’t feel convinced that this is something we need to do right now,” said Commissioner Peter Pfeifer.
Parrott said residents would be able to have their meters turned back on within a day if new landscaping was being installed at their homes.