Chatham County, GA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Chatham County, 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
- Watering window
- 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- Statute
- O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7
- Law
- Water Stewardship Act of 2010
- Scope
- Statewide, year-round
- Midday
- No irrigation 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Summary
Georgia's statewide Water Stewardship Act limits landscape irrigation to the hours between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., year-round, for anyone on an EPD-permitted water system. This schedule applies across Chatham County, including Savannah.
It allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. by anyone whose water is supplied by a water system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010 (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7), daily outdoor watering for planting, growing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, and other plants is allowed only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. for customers of an EPD-permitted water system. The midday ban (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) reduces evaporation loss and applies statewide, even without a declared drought. Certain uses are allowed any time of day, including commercial agriculture, hand-watering, drip irrigation, new/replanted turf for a limited establishment period, and reuse of captured rainwater or condensate. During declared droughts the EPD may impose stricter schedules, so check current City of Savannah / county advisories.
Violations & Fines
Watering outside the permitted window can bring code enforcement action and fines set by the local water provider under authority of the state Water Stewardship Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn at noon in Savannah?
Are there exceptions to the watering hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
How Chatham County compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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