3-3-17
(Atlanta)- The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) announced Thursday it will ease outdoor water use requirements in 86 counties, but not in those north Georgia communities dependent on the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier for water supply.
EPD Director Richard Dunn in a press statement said, “Winter rains have brought needed relief to much of the state, but Lake Lanier, the Chattahoochee River and smaller streams in the region have been slow to recover.” “As a result, the Level 2 Drought Response will remain in place in the upper Chattahoochee River Basin, including most metropolitan Atlanta counties.”
White County is among the 12 counties that will continue in the level 2 drought response. That means continued water restriction use for customers of County and city water services.
During a Level 2 Drought Response, outdoor landscape watering is only allowed two days a week determined by odd and even-numbered addresses. Even-numbered addresses and properties without numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and Saturday before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses may water Thursday and Sunday before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. Dunn said prohibited outdoor water uses under a Level 2 Drought Response include:
- Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks.
- Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains.
- The use of fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety.
- Non-commercial washing of vehicles.
- Non-commercial pressure washing.
- Fundraising car washes.
WRWH Weather Reporter Bill Kinsland advises, rainfall amounts remain well below normal. As of 7 AM Thursday morning (March 2nd), White County’s year-to-date rainfall stands at 7.31 inches which is 5.00 inches below normal (12.31 inches). Bill said, “This figure is 59% of the level normally expected for this time of year.”
