Georgia Statewide Rule
Georgia Statewide Outdoor Watering Schedule Rules
Key Facts
- Watering window
- 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- Allowed days
- Any day of week
- Statute
- O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7
- Enforcement
- EPD and utilities
Summary
Georgia's Water Stewardship Act sets a uniform statewide outdoor watering schedule, allowing daily landscape irrigation between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. without local override.
12-5-7. Local variances from state restrictions on outdoor watering; limitations on outdoor irrigation; exceptions. (a) (1) Any political subdivision of this state or local government authority may, upon application to and approval by the director of the Environmental Protection Division of the department for good cause shown, impose more stringent restrictions on outdoor water use during nondrought periods or state declared periods of drought than those applicable restrictions, if any, imposed by the state during such periods. For purposes of this subsection, "good cause" means evidence sufficient to support a reasonable conclusion, considering available relevant information, that such additional restrictions are necessary and appropriate to avoid or relieve a local water shortage. A variance granted pursuant to this subsection shall be valid for such period as determined by the director. (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not prohibit a political subdivision or local government authority from imposing more stringent restrictions on outdoor water use in case of an emergency which immediately threatens the public health, safety, or welfare; provided, however, that such emergency restrictions shall be valid for a period not exceeding seven days unless a variance is granted by the director pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Full Breakdown
Under the 2010 Water Stewardship Act, Georgia permits outdoor landscape irrigation any day of the week, but only between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. local time. The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources may impose stricter drought response measures during declared droughts. Local governments cannot loosen these restrictions but may enforce them. Hand-watering, drip irrigation, and food-garden watering are exempt categories under the statute.
Violations & Penalties
Violations are enforced by EPD and local water providers, with civil penalties typically beginning around $250 for a first offense and escalating during declared drought conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my city ban outdoor watering entirely?
Are food gardens exempt from the schedule?
Sources
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