• Click here for updates as of June 10, 2009…
• Click here for May 2009 Gwinnett County outdoor watering schedule and restriction updates…

Water restrictions continue
While watering restrictions remain in effect due to the continuing drought in North Georgia, a few of those limits have been eased to allow Gwinnett County homeowners to water plants by hand and swimming pools to open through September 30.

An administrative decision signed by County Administrator Jock Connell on April 2, 2008, spells out the watering restrictions currently in effect for Gwinnett County. Residents may now hand water plants between midnight and 10:00am on the even-odd schedule allowed by the state. Watering is limited to 25 minutes using a standard spray nozzle that turns off when released.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners delegated day-to-day water conservation decisions to County Administrator Jock Connell in March to allow for quick decisions that may be necessary as drought conditions and state regulatory mandates change.

Toilet rebates available
Residents can take advantage of toilet rebates that are available for toilet replacements in single family residential homes built before 1993. The rebate amount of either $50 or $100 depends on whether the replacement toilet is 1.6 gallons per flush or 1.28 gallons per flush. A maximum of two toilets per household may qualify for the rebate. For more details about this program, visit www.northgeorgiawater.com, call 404.463.8645, or send an email to toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org.

FAQ: Water restrictions (as of April 2, 2008)
Q: The State of Georgia has modified the exemptions to outdoor watering and pools. Can local utilities do something different?
A: Local governments and water utilities may adopt restrictions that are more stringent than the restrictions imposed by the state (per 391-3-.06(1)). Gwinnett County maintains more stringent measures to meet the Governor’s 10 percent reduction mandate.

Q: Can I fill my swimming pool and keep it full?
A: Yes, you may fill your pool between April 1 and September 30, 2008.

Q: Can I water my lawn and landscape?
A: Yes, by hand using one garden hose for 25 minutes per day between midnight and 10:00am on designated days. The designated days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for odd-numbered addresses and Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for even-numbered addresses. The hose must be held during watering and equipped with a standard spray nozzle that automatically turns off when released.

Q: If I plant my own landscaping or reseed my own yard, can I irrigate it?
A: Yes. Irrigation of new landscaping or reseeding landscaping can occur between midnight and 10:00am for a maximum of 10 days on an even-odd schedule within the 31 days immediately following date of installation. Please see below for the rules that apply for irrigating new or reconditioned lawns and landscaping.

Q: I just had my yard professionally landscaped and/or seeded or sodded. Can I water it myself?
A: Yes. Irrigation of new landscaping or reseeding landscaping can occur between midnight and 10:00am for a maximum of 10 days on an even-odd schedule within the 31 days immediately following date of installation. Please see below for the rules that apply for irrigating new or reconditioned lawns and landscaping.

Q: What are the rules that apply for irrigating new or reconditioned lawns and landscaping?
A: The following rules apply to professionally installed or reconditioned lawns and landscaping:
· Even-numbered addresses only from midnight to 10:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
· Odd-numbered addresses only from midnight to 10:00am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
· The resident or the irrigator must register at www.urbanagcouncil.com; however, such irrigation can begin in February
· This irrigation can occur at most only 10 days in a month, and only lasts for 31 days
· A sign must be posted that is visible from the street that lists the date of installation, the commercial firm’s name, the property owner or occupant’s phone number, and the surface area restored or reconditioned

Q: Can I wash my car at my home?
A: No, you can not wash your car at your home.

Q: Can I pressure wash my driveway?
A: No, pressure washing of driveways is prohibited.

Q: Will I see an increase in my water bill if my household uses too much water?
A: Yes. Any individual residential household that uses more than 50,000 gallons per month shall be subject to a surcharge for usage above 50,000 gallons per month.

Report watering ban violations
Click here to report watering restriction violations to the Department of Water Resources.

For more information about the watering ban call 678.376.7100.