Water Restrictions: Alpharetta vs Roswell
How do water restrictions rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Roswell 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 →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Under Georgia's Water Stewardship Act (permanent law, not a drought response), outdoor watering for planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants is allowed only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Hand-watering and drip/soaker irrigation are exempt and allowed 24 hours.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent rule | No watering 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | - |
| Authority | O.C.G.A. §12-5-7 | Ga. Water Stewardship Act (O.C.G.A. §12-5-7) |
| New sod | 30-day exemption | - |
| Default Window | - | 4 p.m. - 10 a.m. |
| Hand Watering | - | Allowed 24 hours |
| Drip/Soaker | - | Allowed 24 hours |
| Report Violation | - | 770-641-3715 (business hrs) |
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.
Roswell FAQ
When can I water my Roswell lawn?
Between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. under Georgia's Water Stewardship Act, applied permanently to all metro Atlanta cities including Roswell. Hand watering and drip systems are exempt and allowed any time.
Is Roswell in a drought right now?
Drought status changes; check Georgia EPD declarations. As of 2026 Georgia has periodically been under Level 1 drought response which keeps the base 4 p.m.-10 a.m. schedule but adds conservation messaging.
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