Atlanta, GA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Drought Management Please note: On June 24, 2015, the DNR Board adopted Drought Management Rules that replaced former rule provisions relating to outdoor water use as well as the 2003 Drought Management Plan. The Drought Management Rules, Chapter 391-3-30, require specific drought response strategies during specified levels of declared drought that may limit or restrict some of the outdoor water uses discussed below. On April 27, 2026, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Director declared a state-wide Drought Response Level 1 for public water systems using surface water and/or groundwater. Under this declaration, public water systems must implement a public information campaign designed to help citizens better understand drought, its impact on water supplies, and the need for water conservation. Outdoor water use between the hours of 4 PM and 10 A.M. is still allowable and unaffected by a Drought Response Level 1. All Georgians should follow the non-drought schedule for outdoor water use according to the Georgia Water Stewardship Act. Variances From State Outdoor Water Use Schedules Public water systems may not impose restrictions on outdoor watering that are different from the state requirements unless they obtain a variance from the EPD. Public water systems who want to impose outdoor water use restrictions more or less stringent than the state requirements may apply for a variance from the state's current drought response using the documents below. A water system must be able to demonstrate "good cause" and EPD is required to act upon that request within 5 business days.