On September 28, 2007, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a level four drought response for the northern third of Georgia (which includes all of metropolitan Atlanta) on outdoor water use, which prohibits almost all outdoor residential water use.

In order to comply with the EPD, and to ensure that customers have adequate water supply for both public health and fire protection, Fulton County has implemented a total outdoor watering ban.

Under this no outdoor water use is allowed, except for activities exempt under the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Rules for Outdoor Water Use (Chapter 391-3-30), or as directed by the EPD.

Exceptions to these restrictions are those businesses that depend on water for their livelihood, such as car washes and nurseries, and to establish landscaping and/or sod newly installed by a licensed, professional landscaper (30 days maximum).

Previously this year, Fulton County had limited outdoor water use to weekends only, where even numbered addresses were allowed to use water for outdoor purposes on Saturday from midnight to 10am and odd numbered addresses on Sunday during the same time period.

The Fulton County Department of Public Works will continue patrolling in search of water restriction violators.

Fulton County's water service area includes most of the county north of the Chattahoochee River. However, the downtown area of the City of Roswell and the City of Mountain Park are served by other jurisdictions and are not included in the Fulton County service area. Atlanta and South Fulton are also served by other jurisdictions.

If conditions improve and the EPD changes the level of the drought response, the outdoor water use restrictions may be modified accordingly. For more information please call the Fulton County Department of Public Works, Water Services Division at (404) 612-8097.

To report a watering violation, please call 770-640-3040.

Drought Level 4 FAQs

Georgia EPD Outdoor Water Use Rules

New Landscape Installation Exemption Form