Posted on: Sep 07, 2017
The state Environmental Protection Division on Sept. 7 eased watering restrictions for 55 counties in Georgia, including all of metro Atlanta.
The action follows a relatively wet spring and summer, which helped increase the level of Lake Lanier — the region’s primary water source — by about 5 feet since the start of the year.
Conservation remains critical, as the lake has yet to fully recover from the 2016-17 drought. At its low point, the reservoir was about 11 feet below full pool and is still about 5 feet low.
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Georgia EPD moved 9 metro Atlanta counties from a Level 2 to a Level 1 drought response: Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, and Paulding. Level 1 drought response was lifted for the rest of the metro area.
A Level 1 Drought Response requires water utilities to educate customers about drought conditions and the need to conserve water. The Level 2 drought response limited landscape watering to two days per week and prohibited other types of water use, including non-commercial vehicle washing and pressure washing.
Regardless of drought response level, outdoor watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
We must all continue to do our part to use water wisely. Visit mydropcounts.org to learn tips for conserving water inside and outside the home.
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