Citizens in 61 drought-stricken north Georgia counties can fill swimming pools and hand water their landscape effective immediately, according to an order issued by the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). However the water use exemptions must also have the approval of the local water provider, such as a local government or water utility.
Hand watering of existing landscape must be done between midnight and 10 a.m. on designated days based on odd-numbered and even-numbered addresses for no more than 25 minutes. Odd –numbered addresses may water Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Even-numbered addresses may water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Hand watering is defined as one person with one garden hose with a spray nozzle that shuts off automatically when it is released.
There are no clock or calendar restrictions on the filling of swimming pools, although local water providers must also agree to the pool exemption. The swimming pool exemption was granted due to concerns that neglected and partially filled pools could pose risks to public health and safety, said EPD Director Carol A. Couch.
Director Couch also ordered that people who successfully complete an Outdoor Water Use Registration Program be allowed to water newly installed landscape up to three days a week following the odd-even schedule for a period of ten weeks following planting. Registrants learn proper watering techniques and the importance of water conservation. The Outdoor Water Use Registration Program will be available online at www.urbanagcouncil.com beginning March 15, 2008. Citizens can also contact their county extension agents for information about the registration.
Director Couch also announced that starting April 1, monthly water use in the 61-county drought area would be compared to April-September 2007 average monthly water use. Governor Sonny Perdue has ordered that water use in the region be reduced by at least 10 percent, and emphasized that water conservation goals must still be achieved even with the exemptions.
The Drought Response Unified Command comprises the directors of the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, and the Georgia Division of Public Health. It was established by Governor Sonny Perdue to coordinate the state's role in mitigating the effects of Georgia's ongoing drought. For more information, visit www.droughtjic.org.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Georgia EPD Order Brings Some Relief for Parched Landscape, Pools
Governor Perdue Announces more Flexibility in Outdoor Watering Restrictions
Today at the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s legislative breakfast Governor Sonny Perdue announced the state will ease outdoor watering limitations through exemptions to the Level Four drought restrictions implemented in September 2007. Taking this action strikes a balance between sound management of our water resources and support of Georgia’s industries that depend on water use. Governor Perdue also announced that his call for 10 percent water use reductions on water permit holders will continue using last year’s April to September average monthly water use as the baseline.
“Georgians have demonstrated their dedication to a culture of conservation,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “It is important to continue to encourage conservation with the 10 percent reduction, which I believe we can achieve while also supporting industries that are so essential to our state.”
Hand watering will be allowed for 25 minutes per day on an odd-even schedule between
midnight and 10 a.m. Odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Even numbered addresses can water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Hand watering is defined as one person with one garden hose with a spray nozzle that shuts off when it is released.
New professionally installed landscape can be watered up to three days a week from midnight to 10 a.m. for a period of 10 weeks based on the odd/even schedule. The new schedule will help ensure the survival of new landscape without requiring more water than what is being used under the current 30-day exemption.
Anyone wishing to water new professionally installed landscape must register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program. The program will be hosted on the Urban Agricultural Council web site at www.urbanagcouncil.com beginning April 1, when the outdoor watering exemptions take effect. Georgians may also contact their county extension agents for assistance in getting registered.
Local governments and water utilities in the 61-county Level Four Drought Response area will still be required to achieve the Governor’s water use reduction goal of at least 10 percent. Beginning April 1, the water savings will be calculated using last year’s April-September average monthly water use.
“These steps will give consumers confidence to buy and plant new trees and shrubbery,” said Governor Perdue. “It will give retailers confidence to stock these items, and it will give producers confidence to grow them. This action will lend renewed strength to the landscaping industry in Georgia.”
More information about the drought and water conservation can be found at www.georgiaepd.com and www.conservewatergeorgia.net.
Governor Perdue also praised the work of the Georgia Agribusiness Council in helping craft the Statewide Water Management Plan, which received final passage in the State Senate yesterday. Governor Perdue will sign the water plan this afternoon, and also announce the state’s decision on outdoor pools.
