Irrigation Systems Atlanta

UPDATE FROM THE GEORGIA GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION:

Athens-Clarke Clears Up Confusion Regarding Water Rules

Last week we reported that the four counties that make up the Bear Creek Reservoir Authority voted to implement increased curbs on outdoor water use. In the days since, there has been some confusion with respect to Athens-Clarke County.
As you can see in this Athens Banner Herald Article, Athens has tweaked its rules to be the same as the other three counties. "We're now consistent with Jackson, Barrow and Oconee counties," county Water Conservation Coordinator Marilyn Hall said.
One difference remains: In ACC, a permit must be obtained to water newly installed landscapes for 30 days as granted by their approved exemptions. Permit applications are available online at www.thinkatthesink.com and at the Public Utilities Department Customer Service Center at 124 East Hancock Avenue. Completed applications should be taken to the Water Conservation Office on the second floor of the Customer Service Center.
As reported last week, the new rules limit outdoor water use to one day per week with even number addresses allowed to water on Saturday and odd number addresses allowed to water on Sunday. The ban on watering between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM remains in effect on Saturdays and Sundays. THE FOLLOWING USES ARE EXEMPT FROM ALL HOURLY AND DAY OF THE WEEK RESTRICTIONS.

• Drip Irrigation
• Soaker Hoses
• Hand Watering
• Food Gardens
• New installs of plants and turf
• Grey Water, Rainwater and AC Condensation Resuse
• Golf Course- Tee and Green Irrigation

What This Means to the Industry

While limits on water use are never a positive for the industry, these hard fought for exemptions do undoubtedly offer some positive hope for the fall season. In addition, all four counties have agreed to implement the same rules with the same exemptions. This should help minimize any confusion the public may have about the rules.
On the other hand, high efficiency irrigation methods (drip, hand watering and soaker hoses ) are still permitted and will allow for the continued irrigation of existing landscapes. New plantings, both turf and landscapes are also exempt ( For 30 days following installation, irrigation is allowed without restriction). Food gardens, any and all production or storing for sale of plant materials are also fully exempt.

The Take Away
With these exemptions, it will be up to the industry to tell the story that FALL IS STILL FOR PLANTING! Homeowners will still have the ability to water installs of fall annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees and turf. Landscape contractors will still have 30 days to irrigate new installs following up with the home or property owner converting to drip irrigation and hand watering.
In conjunction with UGA, GGIA developed a flyer for the four counties to distribute to their customers highlighting that fall planting and conservation can go hand in hand. ACC will be including this with their water bills and Oconee County has placed the flyer on their website.