Strict water conservation required for residents

Forsyth County is among 12 counties in the state in which the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) recently determined will remain at Level 2 Drought Response due to its dependence on the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier for water.

Level 2 Drought Response requires that residents follow strict water conservation. Outdoor landscape watering is only allowed two days a week determined by even and odd-numbered addresses. Even-numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) and properties without addresses may irrigate on Wednesday and Saturday between the hours of midnight until 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. until midnight. Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may irrigate on Thursday and Sunday between the hours of midnight until 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. until midnight. On the allowable days there is no watering allowed during the mid-day hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. No watering is allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays.

Prohibited outdoor water uses:

• Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks
• Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains
• The use of fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety
• Non-commercial washing of vehicles
• Non-commercial pressure washing
• Fundraising car washes
• Violations of the water restrictions can result in fines up to $1,000 and discontinuance of water service.

Click here for a complete list of what is allowed during Level 2 Drought Response

EPD is monitoring a number of drought indicators including streamflows, reservoir levels, groundwater, short-term climate predictions and water supply conditions. If conditions worsen, a Level 3 Drought Response will be considered. A Level 3 Drought Response prohibits most types of outdoor water use, including general landscape watering. For questions, call the Department of Water & Sewer at (770) 781-2160.