Water Use Rules in Roswell, GA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Roswell or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Roswell has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Roswell allows EPD-permitted reclaimed wastewater to supply toilets, urinals and similar fixtures in commercial and multi-family buildings, but restricts new private reclaimed-water irrigation to golf courses and agriculture.

Key details: Allowed indoor use: toilets, urinals, water features. Irrigation limit: golf courses and agriculture only. Source: EPD-permitted treatment system. Max fine: $1,000 per day, § 24.5.20(g).

Using new private reclaimed water to irrigate ordinary landscaping instead of golf courses or farmland violates § 24.5.20; violations of the water-efficiency article carry fines up to $1,000 per day under § 24.5.20(g).

Leak Reporting Duty

Roswell treats an unrepaired controllable leak on a customer's property as water waste, giving the customer a deadline to fix it before facing fines or water service termination.

Key details: Duty: repair controllable leaks promptly. Notice: city sets a cure timetable. Penalty: fines and/or service termination. Also covers: irrigation runoff, off-hours watering.

Failing to repair a controllable leak after the city's cure deadline exposes the customer to fines and possible water service termination under Code § 1.1.3.

The Bottom Line

Roswell's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Roswell is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Roswell's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.