Watering restrictions

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Suite 1252 East
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9000
Lonice C. Barrett, Commissioner
Phone: (404) 656-3500
Fax: (404) 656-0770

May 9, 2003

Dear Water System Manager,

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is announcing a set of year round conservation-based outdoor water use restrictions to become effective on June 1, 2003. DNR is requesting that water utilities throughout Georgia encourage their water customers to voluntarily schedule their outdoor water use in compliance with the following schedule:

Odd-numbered addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays (no hourly limits);
Even-numbered or unnumbered addresses water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays (no hourly limits). After a period of voluntarily implementation of these measures, the restrictions will become mandatory and the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will monitor systems for compliance.

This action is being taken in concert with the Board of Natural Resources’ March 26, 2003 adoption of a statewide drought management plan. That drought plan includes a set of outdoor water use restrictions to be implemented during non-drought periods. DNR envisions these restrictions as one of a number of water conservation elements expected to be included in a comprehensive statewide water conservation plan currently being developed.

This kind of staggered outdoor water use has been shown to be an effective water demand management tool. Managing water demand is particularly important in regions experiencing rapid population growth, and few states are growing faster than Georgia has grown over the past 15 years. This water conservation initiative will help preserve a precious natural resource, help to protect an increasingly fragile aquatic environment, and increase water supply opportunities for future generations.

Included with this letter is a question and answer sheet to help with some of the more common concerns regarding these restrictions. To learn more about proper watering techniques, please visit the following website: http://www.georgiadrought.org.

For questions on the restrictions or other water conservation initiatives being considered by DNR, please call Mary Elfner at (912) 353-3225. We look forward to working with you on this important outdoor water use efficiency measure.

Sincerely,

Lonice C. Barrett
Commissioner, DNR

Harold Reheis
Director, EPD

Bob Kerr
Director, P2AD