The Athens-Clarke County government recently lifted the complete watering ban in effect for the severe drought, and now allows some restricted outdoor watering.
As of March 16, hand-watering of outdoor landscaping is allowed for 25 minutes a day between midnight and 10 a.m. following the odd/even watering schedule.
Odd-numbered addresses may water on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. No outdoor watering is allowed on Fridays.
New professionally installed landscaping may be watered for 10 weeks after installation, with proof of the landscaper’s certification or business license.
Pressure washing also will be allowed for health and safety reasons. Pressure washing prior to painting or other procedures requires a special use permit and must be done by a licensed professional.
Swimming pools may be topped off and maintained. Filling or refilling pools will require a special use permit.
Washing vehicles outdoors is still prohibited except for permitted commercial car washes.
Special use permits will be issued by the public utilities department until the water demand threshold reaches 100,000 gallons per day. For additional information, contact the Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department, located at 1865 W. Broad St., Suite C, or call (706) 613-3470. Information is also online (www.accpublicutilities.com).
