Press Release

Drought Status Lowered to Level One for Metro Atlanta   

ATLANTA – The Department of Watershed Management announced today that Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has recently lowered the Drought Response status for metro Atlanta to Level 1. This applies to counties previously in Level 2 status.

Those counties moving from a Level 2 Drought Response to a Level 1 Drought Response are Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Paulding and White counties. EPD had already lifted Level 2 restrictions in the remainder of the state.

A Level 1 Drought Response requires permitted public water systems to conduct a public information campaign to explain drought conditions and the need to conserve water. This decision cancels the Level 2 Drought Response watering schedule that limited landscape watering to two days per week based on odd-even address numbers and prohibited other types of water use including non-commercial vehicle washing and pressure washing.

Georgians must still follow the non-drought outdoor water use schedule required in the Water Stewardship Act of 2010. This law allows all types of outdoor water use, but landscape watering only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily. This is done to limit evaporation during the warmest part of the day.

“Although we’ve received significant rainfall in the past few months, it was not enough to completely replenish water levels in Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River,” said Commissioner Kishia L. Powell. “It is critical that residents and business owners remain vigilant in their conservation efforts as we work together to demonstrate responsible stewardship of our water resources.”

Additional water conservation measures are encouraged as drought conditions continue in order to manage water supply and to ensure adequate water is available for fire protection. Atlanta residents can continue to pick up free water-saving kits at any Fire Station within the city limits.

The Department of Watershed Management also offers rain barrel and composting classes to help residents learn how to collect and conserve water.

Workshop participants receive a hands-on demonstration on how to properly assemble and install rain barrels and the benefits of composting. The next class will take place on Thursday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 27 at 72 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

As a reminder, here are some ways metro Atlanta residents can save water:

• Checking and repairing leaks inside and outside the home
• Shortening showers and turning off water when shaving and brushing teeth
• Filling dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Using a rain gauge to determine how much it has rained over the past week before watering outdoor plants
• Watering in several short sessions instead of one long session
• Only watering lawns when needed

To register for rain barrel classes or to learn about conservation tips, go to www.atlantawatershed.org.

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