On April 27, Gwinnett County entered a Level 1 Drought Response following the statewide declaration by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. 

Residents and businesses should follow the statewide, year-round watering schedule which requires landscape watering to be completed before 10:00am and after 4:00pm to prevent water loss from evaporation. 

This response does not place any additional restrictions on outdoor water use related to landscaping, washing vehicles, pressure washing, or ornamental water features.  

Acceptable water uses during a Level 1 response include: 

• Landscape hand watering with a shut-off nozzle  

• Drip irrigation  

• Newly installed landscaping may be watered at any time during the first 30 days 

• Personal food gardens 

• Washing cars 

• Pressure-washing houses or driveways 

• Ornamental water features such as fountains and waterfalls 

• Commercial agriculture 

• Alternative water sources (grey water, rainwater, condensate, etc.) 

• Private well 

• Irrigation of plants for commercial sale 

• Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems 

• Hydro seeding 

Residents and businesses can help protect Gwinnett’s water supply by implementing water conservation methods. This includes: 

• Checking and repairing leaks inside and outside the home 

• Shortening showers and turning off water when shaving or brushing teeth 

• Filling dishwashers and washing machines, ensuring there is a full load every time 

• Replacing older toilets and shower heads with high efficiency models  

• Looking for EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled products when shopping for new appliances and water fixtures 

Most established landscaping only needs to be watered deeply once a week. Check plants in the morning or late evening to see if they need water. If a plant is wilting, browning, or yellow/gray in appearance, or if turf is slow to recover from a footprint, they likely need to be watered. 

Find additional outdoor water use and conservation tips at GwinnettCounty.com/WaterConservation.  

For more information on the statewide drought declaration, visit EPD.Georgia.gov.