New watering rules that went into effect this summer give Georgians more flexibility in their watering habits. Automated irrigation systems, lawn sprinklers and hand watering are now allowed daily from 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. Outdoor water can be applied daily during the specified hours for planting, growing, managing or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs or other plants. Reclaimed waste water, also known as gray water, can be used any time for irrigation.
Water also can be applied with no time or day limits for the following outdoor uses: agricultural operations; personal food gardens; new or replanted plant, seed or turf in landscapes, golf courses or sports turf fields; drip irrigation or soaker hoses; hand-watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container; horticultural crops held for sale, resale or installation; athletic fields, golf courses or public recreational areas; installation, maintenance or calibration of irrigation systems and hydroseeding.
The odd-even day schedule remains in effect for nonlandscape outdoor water use like pressure washing by homeowners, car washing at home or for charity, hosing driveways, outdoor cleaning or topping-off pools.
Even addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Odd addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.