Water Restrictions: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do water restrictions rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Atlanta and Roswell have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Watering Window | 4 PM - 10 AM (all days) | - |
| Hand Watering | Anytime w/ shutoff | Allowed 24 hours |
| Drought Levels | 1-4, per GA EPD | - |
| Enforcement | Atlanta DWM | - |
| Code | OCGA §12-5-7 | - |
| Authority | - | Ga. Water Stewardship Act (O.C.G.A. §12-5-7) |
| Default Window | - | 4 p.m. - 10 a.m. |
| Drip/Soaker | - | Allowed 24 hours |
| Report Violation | - | 770-641-3715 (business hrs) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
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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