PRESS RELEASE
June 10, 2008
Issued by:
The Office of the Board of Commissioners
Fayette County, Georgia
Contact: Carol Chandler 770.305.5101
cchandler@fayettecountyga.gov
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division has reclassified Fayette County from a Level IV Drought Response designation to a Level IVc, resulting in a loosening of outdoor watering restrictions.
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners was greeted on Tuesday with a response from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concerning the County’s petition to be granted a modification to current outdoor water use restrictions. Last month, following the signing of House Bill 1281 by Governor Perdue, entities holding water-related permits in 61 drought-stricken North Georgia became eligible to petition the Environmental Protection Division of DNR for a “Drought Response Modification” which could result in a lessening of outdoor watering restrictions imposed by that agency as the drought increased in severity. The news concerning the petition filed by Fayette County comes as a relief to the County Commissioners. Board Chairman, Jack Smith, said today “Based on the soundness of our Water System and the diligent monitoring of our water resources, we had every reason to believe that DNR would approve our petition. Nevertheless, given the severity of the drought North Georgia has endured over the past year, it was indeed a relief to receive Dr. Couch’s letter today.”
According to the letter received from Dr. Carol Couch, Director of the Environmental Protection Division of the DNR to Chairman Smith, “Under Level IVc, all outdoor water uses are allowed on an odd/even basis, three days per week between midnight and 10:00 a.m. Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; even addresses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.” Watering on Fridays is still prohibited. The letter makes further reference to exemptions to watering restrictions included in EPD’s Rules for Outdoor Water Use. Section 391-3-30 of the Rules allows such outdoor uses as watering personal food gardens, washing cars or home exteriors, the watering of newly installed landscapes any day of the week during the allowed hours (midnight to 10 o’clock a.m.) for a period of thirty days, and the watering of professionally installed landscaping under commercial provisions. The letter does specify, however, that using fire hydrants for any purpose other than public safety purposes or flushing is still prohibited, as is the washing of hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways except when necessary for public health and safety.
The Level IVc drought response modification will be in effect until December 31, 2008, or until otherwise withdrawn by the Department of Natural Resources. Chairman Smith said further, “I have complete confidence that our citizens and businesses will continue to diligently follow all watering restrictions and avoid wasteful use of our most valuable natural resource. I believe we all understand drinking water is of limited supply and we should never do anything to jeopardize its availability for our citizens. We will continue to carefully monitor our water supply and evaluate our options so we are prepared for whatever conditions arise in the future.”
Thus far, at least fifteen water providers in metro Atlanta have received the state’s permission to ease restrictions on outdoor water use. More complete information on permitted outdoor water use can be found on the EPD’s website at www.gaepd.com under “Drought and Water Use Information” or by calling 404.656.4807 or 404.675.6236.
Please note:
Drought Response Modification Permit:
Water Restriction Changes Effective June 10, 2008 *