The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) declared a Level 1 drought response for 103 counties in Georgia, including Fulton County and the surrounding area.  According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, every part of Fulton County is currently experiencing either severe or extreme drought conditions.

A Level 1 drought response requires municipalities to notify residents of drought conditions, but does not include any additional watering restrictions, beyond the permanent water use schedule set in place by the Water Stewardship Act of 2010.  This schedule allows all outdoor water uses, but requires landscape watering to be done before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to prevent water loss due to evaporation. 

Residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water use at all times, and especially during drought conditions.  Fulton County also has a water waste ordinance in place, requiring citizens to avoid excessive runoff from irrigation and other outdoor water uses, or from visible leaks.

Water efficiency is always essential to protect the current and future water supply for Fulton County and the region, and customers are encouraged to continue practicing daily conservation habits.  The Fulton County Department of Public Works has information and programs available for its water customers who would like to conserve water and save money, including a rebate for replacing older toilets with high-efficiency WaterSense labeled models.

For more information about available water conservation programs, contact Amy Warnock at (404) 612– 8006; Amy.Warnock@fultoncountyga.gov or Corlette Banks at (404) 612-8097; Corlette.Banks@fultoncountyga.gov.