Water restrictions in Atlanta, GA β also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance β set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Under OCGA Β§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.
Under OCGA Β§12-5-7 and the Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010, Atlanta and the broader Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District follow year-round time-of-day watering rules: outdoor irrigation with sprinklers is permitted any day of the week, but only between 4 PM and 10 AM to minimize evaporation. Hand watering with a shutoff device is allowed at any time. During Non-Drought Response Level 1 and 2 declarations, no further restrictions apply. At Level 3 or 4 (serious drought), day-of-week limits and outright bans on outdoor washing can be imposed. Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) enforces compliance.
Fines escalate from warnings to per-offense civil penalties, which historically range from $50 to $1,000 for repeat violators.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fulton County.
See how other cities in Fulton County handle water restrictions.
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