Public Information
Outdoor Water Use
Current Outdoor Watering Schedule
On June 11, 2009, Governor Sonny Perdue authorized the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to issue a statewide non-drought schedule for outdoor water use, due to significant rainfall and improved conditions of raw water supplies. Under a non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days per week on assigned days using odd and even-numbered addresses, with no time limits on use during an allotted day. However, the Macon Water Authority (MWA), as a "waterSmart" campaign participant and advocate of water conservation, encourages its customers to continue wise water use. Local utilities have the right to impose stricter watering restrictions than the state guidelines; however, because of proper planning and adequate raw water storage in its reservoir – Javors Lucas Lake – the MWA does not anticipate more stringent outdoor watering restrictions at this time.
The following non-drought schedule for outdoor water use is in effect for MWA customers until further notice.
Non-Drought Period
- For odd-numbered addresses, outdoor water use is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with no hourly limits.
- For even-numbered and un-numbered addresses, outdoor water use is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with no hourly limits.
- No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.
- Outdoor water use is permitted for washing cars, power washing homes, and similar household uses.
Outdoor watering and wise water use tips:
For the full text of the rules on outdoor water use, as well as tips on outdoor watering and conservation, please visit the EPD Web site at www.gaepd.org. MWA customers can also visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net for more information on wise water use.
The Macon Water Authority was one of six pilot communities to begin participation in the spring of 2007 in the statewide "waterSmart" campaign, an educational program that teaches Georgians how to conserve water outdoors, especially during the hot summer months. Thus, the MWA continues to remind customers to: "Save Water, Save Time, Save Money, water smart."
This current MWA water use schedule is subject to change, if future drought response levels from the state EPD are implemented for Macon and Bibb County.
Outdoor Water Use Schedules according to Drought Response Levels, when in effect:
The Director of the Environmental Protection Division is authorized to make drought declarations. During declared drought conditions, outdoor water use other than activities exempted in Chapter 391-3-30.05 of the outdoor water use rules of the EPD shall occur only during specified hours on the scheduled days.
Declared Drought Response, Level I
- Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.
- Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Scheduled days for even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.
- Use of hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing is prohibited.
Declared Drought Response, Level II
- Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Scheduled days for even-numbered, unnumbered addresses and golf course fairways are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.
The following uses are prohibited under Level II:
- Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety.
In the event drought conditions change in the future, they might adjust to:
Declared Drought Response, Level III
- Outdoor water use may occur on the scheduled day within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- The scheduled day for odd-numbered addresses is Sunday.
- The scheduled day for even-numbered addresses and golf course fairways is Saturday.
The following uses are prohibited under Level III:
- Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety.
- Filling installed swimming pools except when necessary for health care or structural integrity.
- Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes, and golf carts.
- Washing buildings or structures, except for immediate fire protection.
- Non-commercial fund-raisers, such as car washes.
- Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls, except when necessary to support aquatic life.
Declared Drought Response, Level IV
No outdoor water use is allowed, other than for activities exempted in Chapter 391-3-30.05 of the EPD rules for outdoor water use, or as the EPD Director may order.