Governor Perdue Drought Newsletter Issued 2/6/08 

Perdue Relaxes Water Rules

EPD Water Usage Letter 2-11-08 

The Outdoor Water Use Registration Program is administered by the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council, as provided for by an Order dated February 11, 2008 by the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia DNR. This program will educate you about waterSmart landscaping, test your knowledge, and allow you to print a certificate so that you may water your newly installed landscape under the rules of the EPD Order." In accordance with this requirement, landscapers and homeowners can receive this certification in two ways:  "Watersmart" certification can be obtained by completing the registration online at

http://www.urbanagcouncil.com

There is a fee of $4.95 associated with online registration.  The Paulding County Extension Office also offers the "Watersmart" registration in our office, Monday through Friday, during business hours for FREE.  If you wish to register through our office please call us 770-443-7616 to schedule an appointment or email uge2223@uga.edu

 Due to drought conditions across Georgia, the Director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has issued a level four drought declaration for the entire state.  

Governor Perdue: The time to act is now Georgia is facing one of the most severe droughts in history. Our rivers and reservoirs are at record lows, and many of our communities face potential water shortages that could challenge their ability to meet water supply needs. To address these challenges, Governor Sonny Perdue has ordered utilities and others permitted by the state Environmental Protection Division to reduce water use by 10 percent. He also has asked state agencies to reduce their water consumption by 10 to 15 percent. "It's up to each and every Georgian to do their part by conserving water," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "By making individual conservation efforts, we can collectively help to ensure that we meet our water supply needs." Hear more from Governor Perdue about the importance of water conservation. What are drought response levels? During times of drought, the State of Georgia can declare a drought response ranging from level 1, which allows for limited and regulated watering, to level 4, which bans most outdoor water use. The director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), in consultation with the state climatologist and the state drought response committee, determines the appropriate level of drought response. On Sept. 28, EPD Director Dr. Carol Couch declared a level 4 drought response for the northern third of the state. A level 4 drought response prohibits most types of residential outdoor water use. A level 2 drought response continues for the remainder of the state. In these areas, odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from midnight to 10 a.m. Even-numbered addresses and unnumbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from midnight to 10 a.m. Your local water provider can enact further restrictions, so be sure to check with them if you have any questions. [Photo: West Point Lake.] Ready to conserve water? Tips on getting started You've seen the latest news on the drought and heard local weather forecasters report on the lack of rainfall. But did you know that most Georgians are using an estimated 100 gallons of water per person per day? That's 12,000 gallons of water for a family of four per month. Now you're ready to do your part. Start with an easy-to-use home water audit from the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District to determine the best places to reduce your water use. It's not hard to conserve water. You can make a difference by only running the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full, fixing leaks, or simply shortening your shower. Help your landscape survive the drought Depending on where you live, outdoor water use has been eliminated or restricted. So, how do you protect your landscaping investment? Help your plants avoid added stress and reduce their demand for water by following these waterSmart tips.

Visit these sites for more information on ways to conserve water in Georgia:

 Water Smart   EPA Water Sense     Water Use it Wisely

H2ouse           GA EPD               www.droughtjic.org.

Conserve Water Georgia          www.northgeorgiawater.com

Do it Yourself Household Water Assessment 

For more Information or to purchase a Low-Flow Water Kit ($5)

Visit or call City Hall at (770) 443-8110.

 The City of Dallas is having a problem with Sewer Manholes overflowing due to grease build up in our sewerlines. We ask that our Citizens and Businesses dispose of Grease appropriately. Grease can stop up the lines and cause the manholes to overflow, then in some cases raw sewage flows to our creeks and streams. Please help in preventing this from happening.