Dear Utilities, Inc. of Georgia customers,
Many counties in Georgia have been placed in Level 1 Drought Response by GA EPD. While we are not able to enforce additional watering restrictions, UIG is asking and encouraging all residents and contractors to refrain from any not critical outdoor water use whenever possible.
Level 1 Drought Response Restrictions:
- Outdoor watering schedule – No watering between 10am and 4pm.
- Only water landscape when necessary. Have sprinklers adjusted so only lawn is watered, and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Regularly check for, and repair, leaks inside and outside the home. Using Eye on Water is a great tool to determine if you have a leak. Don’t forget to set a leak alert. Sign up is easy at https://eyeonwater.com/signup .
- Don’t leave the tap running when shaving, brushing teeth, and face washing.
The following activities may be done at any time of day under a Level 1 Drought Response:
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.
Worsening drought conditions throughout most of the state have prompted a Level 1 Drought Response declaration from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). This means public water utilities in 103 counties have been required to begin a public information campaign to help citizens better understand drought, its impact on water supplies and the need for water conservation.
According to the federal government’s U.S. Drought Monitor, the drought has affected the entire state with conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. As a result, most of the counties in Georgia must follow the Level 1 Drought Response requirements.
“This serves as a reminder for all Georgians to use water wisely,” said EPD Director Richard Dunn. “It also gives public water systems an opportunity to educate their customers on the importance of water conservation.”
“The current flash drought we are in is primarily agricultural, but it can also affect water supply,” said state climatologist Bill Murphey. “It came on quickly due to the intense daytime heating, lack of rainfall and sudden decrease in soil moisture we experienced in September.”
Additional water conservation information is available at https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation.
Customer Service