Georgia Water Restrictions Law: Statewide Landscaping Rules Rules (2026)

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

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?

Only when the state EPD declares a drought response level that imposes additional restrictions. Otherwise, the statewide schedule applies and cities cannot prohibit irrigation during permitted hours.

Are food gardens exempt from the schedule?

Yes. Watering of food gardens, hand-watering with a hose and shutoff nozzle, drip irrigation, and newly installed landscapes are exempt from the time-of-day restriction under state law.

Georgia Statewide Outdoor Watering Schedule Rules

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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