What You Need To Know About Watering.

By MATT KEMPNER The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 09/29/07

Examples of what is and isn't allowed under the new outdoor water ban:

— Outdoor watering by commercial establishments such as a bank or apartment complex, or by homeowners association watering neighborhood common areas? PROHIBITED.
— Non-profit fund-raising car wash? PROHIBITED.
— Homeowner watering plants or grass seed that they installed themselves in the last 30 days? PROHIBITED.
— Homeowner (or professional landscaper) watering plants or grass that a "certified or licensed" professional landscaper installed in the last 30 days? ALLOWED. But a homeowner should have proof, such as receipts, showing the materials were professional installed.
— Water running in a fountain, including ones that recirculate the water? PROHIBITED.
— Washing a car? PROHIBITED, except at a commercial car wash.
— Using water from the hose to play in or slide down on a Slip 'N Slide? PROHIBITED.
— Watering outdoors with used bathtub water? ALLOWED.
— Watering outdoors with Unused water from a bathtub faucet? PROHIBITED.
— Pressure washing outdoors? PROHIBITED if you are a homeowner, whether or not the washer is rented. ALLOWED if it is being done by a commercial professional washing business.
— Outdoor watering using a private well? ALLOWED. The restrictions apply only to water that comes from utilities regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The EPD doesn't regulate private residential wells pumping less than 100,000 gallons a day. But, the EPD does discourage people from overusing private wells for outdoor watering.
— Outdoor watering using water from a pond, lake or river? ALLOWED. Same as for private wells. It's legal but discouraged.
— Watering a personal food garden? ALLOWED.
— There are commercial exemptions, with some limitations, for professional landscapers, farmers, sod producers, irrigation system installers, hydroseeders, construction sites and others.

CAREFUL: These are the state rules that apply to 61 north Georgia counties, including all of metro Atlanta. But local jurisdictions can have tighter restrictions than those required by the state. Check with your local water provider. (See your water bill for contact information).
Source: Georgia EPD spokesman Kevin Chambers