Atlanta, GA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Atlanta, GA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Baseline hours
- 4:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m. daily, non-drought
- Drought level 2 schedule
- Odd-even by address, 2 days/week
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Watershed Management
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, possible service shutoff
- Legal basis
- Atlanta Code § 154-73.3
Summary
Atlanta restricts outdoor irrigation to the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. year-round, tightening to a two-day odd-even address schedule during declared drought response levels, enforced by the Department of Watershed Management.
During non-drought periods, persons may irrigate outdoors daily for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Atlanta's Water Use Restrictions Ordinance limits outdoor irrigation of lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs to the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., allowed daily during non-drought periods. Once the state declares drought response level 2, watering drops to two days a week on an odd-even schedule: even-numbered addresses irrigate Wednesday and Saturday, odd-numbered addresses Thursday and Sunday, still within that time window. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, hand-watering with an automatic shutoff, and personal food gardens are exempt. The Department of Watershed Management enforces the rule, escalating from a written warning to penalties up to $500 and water service termination.
Violations & Fines
First offense draws a written notice; second violation adds a $100 penalty, third $250, and a fourth or later violation brings a $500 penalty plus possible water service termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn any time of day in Atlanta?
What happens during a declared drought in Atlanta?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
How Atlanta compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle water restrictions.