statewide level 1 drought declaration

Issued April 27, 2026

The GA EPD has declared a statewide level 1 drought that will affect all public water systems. Under the rules set forth by the state the following conservation measures will be implemented:

Regularly check for, and repair, leaks inside and outside your home.
Don’t leave the tap running when shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing your face or food products.
Only water your landscape when necessary and adjust sprinklers so water isn’t lost on the sidewalk or street.

Under a level 1 drought response, general landscape watering may be done between 4pm and 10am each day along with the following activities:

Irrigation of personal food gardens may be done at any time of day;
Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed or turf may be done at any time of day for 30 days after installation;
Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses may be done at any time of day;
Hand watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container may be done at any time of day.

More water conservation information is available at

https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation.

While the drought persists, please help in conserving this vital natural resource.