U.S. Water News Online
ATLANTA -- Beginning this summer, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will require Georgians to follow outdoor water use schedules during both non-drought periods and during periods of declared drought. The Board of Natural Resources adopted the new Rules for Outdoor Water.
"The goal is to get all Georgians to manage their outdoor water use, even during times of non-drought," said EPD Director Carol A. Couch. "Population growth, combined with inevitable periods of drought, make water conservation more important than ever."
Information about the outdoor water use schedules has been sent to all permitted water providers in Georgia, who will be required to enforce the new rules. Some local governments will begin enforcement immediately, while others will require new ordinances to implement and enforce the rules. Enforcement should begin no later than August 1, 2004.
Current conditions warrant the non-drought schedule for outdoor water use statewide, but should conditions worsen, EPD will require outdoor water use to be managed appropriate to the level of declared drought. There are four levels of declared drought ranging from daily time limitations to a total ban on outdoor water use.
The current non-drought schedule is as follows:
Local restrictions may be more stringent than the state requirements, so citizens are encouraged to contact their local water provider for more information.
The Rules for Outdoor Water Use (Chapter 391-3-30) are available at the EPD Web site www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ under the "Rules and Laws" section. Please visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net for more information on proper outdoor watering procedures and water conservation.
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