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WATER RESTRICTIONS AND CONSERVATION
(Updated 05-29-08)
What is drought response level 4?
Drought response level 4 is a total ban on outdoor water use.
What if I have a water fountain?
The use of ornamental fountains is prohibited in level 4. Fountains containing aquatic life (e.g. Koi pond) are exempt from restriction.
Can I fill my swimming pool (this includes plastic or vinyl wading pools)?
Yes, on February 12th EPD announced that the filling of pools would be allowed this summer. There are no clock or calendar restrictions on the filling of swimming pools. The swimming pool exemption was granted due to concerns that neglected and partially filled pools could pose risks to public health and safety.
Is watering from an alternate source (e.g. pumping from a creek, well, or lake) exempt from restrictions?
Yes. If an individual has an alternate source, a sign MUST BE POSTED in clear visibility. We caution that these water bodies also face difficulty during the drought and are unlikely to recharge. Draining down these smaller bodies does impact streams and rivers that are fed by these sources and our drinking water supply.
I am a professional, licensed painter or power washer can I power wash?
Yes. Professional licensed power washers can operate as essential to daily business. Homeowners/property owners are still prohibited from power washing. Pressure washing of driveways or other impervious “ground” surfaces should only be performed when necessary for public health and safety or pre-procedure. Per the Environmental Health Department, restaurants may have to wash the dumpster area of their business from any spillage. They are encouraged to use dry removal methods if possible.
Odd/Even Schedule: 12 Midnight – 10 AM
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I have over seeded my lawn. Can I water it?
EPD considers over-seeding of lawns new landscaping. Follow the procedure for new landscape installation exemption.
I have applied pesticides or herbicides to my lawn. Can I water it in?
Pesticides and herbicides applied to the lawn may be watered in following the odd/even schedule from 12 midnight to 10 am.
Can a car dealership wash cars on the premises?
Car dealerships are strongly encouraged to wash cars in a wash bay and only as essential to daily business. Professional detailers who are in the business of washing cars must have a current business license to operate.
Can I hold a charity carwash to raise money?
No – even though it is for a charitable cause, non-commercial car washes are not allowed under Drought Response level 4.
If I harvest an animal (white tailed deer) can I use water when I process the animal at my home?
Yes.
WATERING EXEMPTIONS
Hand watering of existing landscape:
- Hand watering is defined as, “one person with one garden hose with a spray nozzle that shuts off automatically when released.”
- Homeowners may water existing landscape between the hours of midnight - 10 a.m. on the designated days based on the odd/even numbered addresses for a total of 25 minutes per day.
- Odd numbered addresses may water: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Even numbered addresses may water: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- No watering is allowed on Friday
- No irrigation systems or sprinklers are allowed under this exemption.
Can I use my 25 minute hand watering time to wash my car, dog, house or for outdoor recreation, etc.?
No. This exemption applies ONLY to watering landscape. Any other outdoor usage will be considered a violation of the water ban and will be subject to a fine.
Installation of new landscape by a licensed professional or homeowner:
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Effective March 15, 2008, an exemption is provided for new landscape installations. In order to qualify for a new landscape exemption, the customer must enroll in the Urban Agriculture Council’s online Water Conservation Class at www.outdoorwateruse.com (there is a $4.95 fee). Certificate obtained from the course, a New Landscape Installation form (can be printed from www.gainesville.org), and a receipt of plant material or invoice from landscaper must be sent to:
The Water Conservation Program
2641 Old Flowery Branch Road
Gainesville, GA 30504
- A copy of the certificate must also be displayed prominently in the front of the lot.
- Failure to submit the forms and receipt may result in a water ban violation and possible discontinuation of an irrigation account.
- Times to water will be based upon the odd/even address system and allowed from midnight to 10:00 a.m. for a period of 10 weeks (total of 30 days).
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Additional Resources:
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Odd numbered addresses may water: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Even numbered addresses may water: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
No watering is allowed on Friday
What type of watering is allowed for new landscape?
If new installation consists of a small number of plants or is a small area, we urge you to hand water, use soaker hoses, micro-irrigation or drip irrigation; but for larger areas, you may use a traditional irrigation system.
Irrigation of personal food gardens is exempt from all restrictions.
Use of reclaimed water (e.g. rain water, air conditioner condensate, bath water or dishwater) is exempt from restrictions.
For current information on local and/or state imposed water restrictions, customers are urged to stay tuned to TV18, The Government Channel for Gainesville and Hall County or contact the Gainesville Public Utilities Department at (770) 535-6878.
Proper management of water is essential to ensure an ample supply for present and future generations. As part of its overall water conservation program to protect this limited resource, the City of Gainesville will implement the designated “Declared Drought Response Level” restrictions as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division deems necessary from the state climatologists’ reports. The Declared Drought Response Levels are as follows:
Declared Drought Response Level 1
Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.
- Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Scheduled days for even-numbered addresses are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Declared Drought Response Level 2
Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Scheduled days for even-numbered addresses and golf course fairways are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- The following uses are prohibited:
- Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways except when necessary for public health and safety.
Declared Drought Response Level 3
Outdoor water use may occur on the scheduled day within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- The scheduled day for odd-numbered addresses is Sunday.
- The scheduled day for even-numbered addresses and golf course fairways is Saturday.
- The following uses are prohibited:
- Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety
- Filling installed swimming pools except when necessary for health care or structural integrity.
- Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes, golf carts.
- Washing buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.
- Non-commercial fund-raisers, such as car washes.
- Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls except when necessary to support aquatic life.
Declared Drought Response Level 4
No outdoor water use is allowed.
The Public Utilities Department has compiled the following suggestions to reduce water consumption and promote water recycling:
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Do not wash partial loads of dishes or clothes. Always fill the machine full.
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When washing dishes by hand, don't keep the water running for rinsing. Sit the soapy dishes in one side of the sink. Rinse them all at the same time.
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Don't use running water to thaw out meat. Thaw meat in advance in the refrigerator.
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Rinse fruits and vegetables in a container of water rather than run water continuously.
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Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth. Wet your brush and then turn the water off until you're ready to rinse.
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Check all faucets and pipes for leaks on a routine basis. Even a small drip will add up over 30 days.
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Check your toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank when you're ready to go to bed. If the color shows up in the bowl the next morning, you have a leak.
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React immediately if a chain gets hung up under the toilet flapper mechanism. The toilet will run continuously until the next time someone flushes it, wasting gallons of water.
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Don't think of the toilet as a wastebasket. Dispose of tissues, cigarettes and trash in an appropriate waste container.
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Reduce the amount of water being used for each toilet flush by placing a brick or a bottle filled with water in the tank. Be sure it is tucked into the corner of the tank away from the flushing mechanism.
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Consider replacing an older model toilet with a new water-saving one. They use half as much water as those made 10 years ago or longer.
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Attach a nozzle to your garden hose when washing the car. That will keep water from running continuously until you're ready to rinse.
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Consider washing the car at a commercial car wash. They are economical, efficient and use less water per wash than cars washed at home.
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Use a broom or blower instead of a garden hose to clean the driveway and sidewalks.
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Use a container to collect the cool water running down the drain while you wait for hot water to run out of the faucet.
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The final rinse water can be dipped out of the washing machine (before the spin cycle), and can be used to water plants.
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When watering the lawn, take care to position the sprinkler so that water isn't wasted on the street or driveway.
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Only water the lawn when it's absolutely necessary, and water for a longer period of time. Prolonged watering will help the grass develop a deep root structure that makes it more drought resistant. Watering for ten or fifteen minute periods results in a shallow root system that will require more frequent watering and create drought intolerance.
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Water your lawn in the early part of the day. This will prevent water loss due to evaporation.
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When possible, spot water only the plants that need it using a watering can or bucket, rather than a sprinkler.
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Place mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds to reduce moisture loss.
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Use a bucket to collect condensation water that drips off your air conditioning unit and use it to water trees and shrubs.
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When landscaping, plant shrubs and trees that are drought and heat tolerant. A local nursery can help you select those needing less moisture to survive.
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Plant only in the spring and fall. Installing new landscape materials during the summer months will require more watering to help them survive. |
 We welcome your ideas for additional ways to conserve water and reduce water utility bills. Contact our Customer Service Department at (770) 535-6878, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. , Monday through Friday, or fax your suggestion to: (770) 538-2414.
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