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Georgia relaxes state-wide watering restrictions
11 Feb, 2008 LM Direct!ATLANTA — Easing concerns of many Green Industry businesses, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue recently announced the state will ease outdoor watering limitations through exemptions to the Level Four drought restrictions implemented in September 2007.
According to Perdue, taking this action strikes a balance between sound management of our water resources and support of Georgia's industries that depend on water use.
Governor Perdue also announced that his call for 10% water use reductions on water permit holders will continue using last year's April to September average monthly water use as the baseline.
"Georgians have demonstrated their dedication to a culture of conservation," said Perdue. "It is important to continue to encourage conservation with the 10% reduction, which I believe we can achieve while also supporting industries that are so essential to our state."
Hand watering will be allowed for 25 minutes per day on an odd-even schedule between midnight and 10 a.m. Odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Even numbered addresses can water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Hand watering is defined as one person with one garden hose with a spray nozzle that shuts off when it is released.
New professionally installed landscape can be watered up to three days a week from midnight to 10 a.m. for a period of 10 weeks based on the odd/even schedule. The new schedule will help ensure the survival of new landscape without requiring more water than what is being used under the current 30-day exemption.
Anyone wishing to water new professionally installed landscape must register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program. The program will be hosted on the Urban Agricultural Council web site at Urban Ag Council beginning April 1, when the outdoor watering exemptions take effect. Georgians may also contact their county extension agents for assistance in getting registered.
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