Water Restrictions: Alpharetta vs Atlanta
How do water restrictions rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta has fewer restrictions than Alpharetta.
Alpharetta, GA
Fulton County
Fulton County and all Georgia communities are bound by O.C.G.A. §12-5-7 (Water Stewardship Act), which permanently allows outdoor landscape watering only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. — no calendar-day restrictions.
View full Alpharetta rules →Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Under OCGA §12-5-7, Metro Atlanta operates year-round watering rules: outdoor irrigation is allowed only between 4 PM and 10 AM. Further cuts apply during EPD-declared drought levels.
View full Atlanta rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent rule | No watering 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | - |
| Authority | O.C.G.A. §12-5-7 | - |
| New sod | 30-day exemption | - |
| Watering Window | - | 4 PM - 10 AM (all days) |
| Hand Watering | - | Anytime w/ shutoff |
| Drought Levels | - | 1-4, per GA EPD |
| Enforcement | - | Atlanta DWM |
| Code | - | OCGA §12-5-7 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Alpharetta FAQ
Can I water at 3 p.m.?
No — banned statewide year-round.
Is hand-watering allowed at noon?
Yes, if using a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Atlanta FAQ
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