DeKalb Reminds Residents of Drought Restrictions

DECATUR, Ga. – The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) urges residents to continue to comply with state-mandated water restrictions as a result of its Level 2 drought status.

“We continue to ask DeKalb County residents and businesses to keep water conservation in mind and be aware of the restrictions that must be put in place while these drought conditions persist,” said DWM Director Scott Towler.

Currently, outdoor irrigation for planting, growing, managing or maintaining ground cover trees, shrubs or other plants shall be limited to two days a week on an odd-even schedule before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

• Even numbered addresses and sites without numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Thursdays and Sundays.
• No outdoor watering is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The following outdoor water uses are prohibited:

• Washing hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety.
• Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools and waterfalls.
• Use of fire hydrants, except for the purposes of firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
• Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes or golf carts.
• Non-commercial washing, or non-commercial pressure washing, of buildings or structures, except for immediate fire protection.
• Charity or non-commercial fundraiser car washes. 

Additionally, food service establishments are required to serve water only to customers who request it as part of DeKalb County’s drought restrictions response and in conformance with Georgia Administrative Code Rule 301-3-30-07 (05). 

Fire hydrant rentals are strictly limited and the general rental program has been suspended.  This suspension applies to all residential and recreational use such as filling swimming pools, events and video production.  Construction for new development, which is exempt under the Level 2 drought, is the only exception to this suspension.

                                                                                                                  ###