Outdoor Watering Schedule

As of July 1, 2004, the Clayton County Water Authority began enforcing an outdoor water schedule adopted by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Under these rules, Georgians are required to follow schedules for outdoor water use during both non-drought periods and during periods of declared drought.

On February 6, 2008, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced more flexibility in the Level 4 Outdoor Watering Restrictions. In response to his announcement, the CCWA eased certain Level 4 Restrictions.

Effective February 20, 2008:

  • Each household, business or other institution/property owner may hand water existing landscaping using one garden hose, 25 minutes a day, within the hours of midnight – 10 a.m. on designated days.
  • The hose must be hand held during watering and equipped with a standard spray nozzle that automatically turns off when you let go of it.
  • Odd numbered addresses may hand water Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Even numbered addresses may hand water Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Swimming pools may be filled using the odd/even system.

Effective March 17, 2008:

  • Newly installed landscaping which has been in place less than 30 days may be watered up to three days a week within the hours of midnight – 10 a.m. only for 10 consecutive weeks and during plant installation.
  • Odd numbered addresses may water newly installed landscaping Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Even numbered addresses may water newly installed landscaping Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Any person watering newly installed landscaping must register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program at http://www.urbanagcouncil.com/ beginning March 15, 2008.

The following Level 4 restrictions remain in effect:

  • Watering of food gardens is allowed.
  • Watering in of herbicide applied by a professionally certified or licensed landscaper is allowed on the day of application, no hour restrictions.
  • Commercial water use by car washes, retail garden centers or commercial power washing is allowed, no hour restrictions.

To report an outdoor water use violation, call the CCWA at 770.961.2130 and press "2" for the Call Center.


Non-Drought Periods

Outdoor water use during non-drought periods - other than for exempted activities - shall occur only as follows:

  • Odd-numbered addresses: outdoor water use is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with no limits on the time of day for watering.
  • Even-numbered addresses: outdoor water use is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with no limits on the time of day for watering.
  • No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.

During Declared Drought Periods

Outdoor Water Use Schedule During Declared Drought Response Levels

  1. The Director of Georgia EPD is authorized to make drought declarations.


  2. During declared drought conditions, outdoor water use other than activities exempted in 391-3-30-.05, shall occur only during scheduled hours on the scheduled days.


  3. Declared Drought Response Level One - 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.
    1. Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
    2. Scheduled days for even-numbered addresses are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    3. No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.
    4. Use of hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing is prohibited.


  4. Declared Drought Response Level Two - Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
    1. Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
    2. Scheduled days for even-numbered addresses and golf course fairways are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    3. No outdoor water use is permitted on Fridays.
    4. The following uses are prohibited:
      1. Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
      2. Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways except when necessary for public health and safety.


  5. Declared Drought Response Level Three - Outdoor water use may occur on the scheduled day within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
    1. The scheduled day for odd-numbered addresses is Sunday.
    2. The scheduled day for even-numbered addresses and golf course fairways is Saturday.
    3. The following uses are prohibited:
      1. Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
      2. Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety
      3. Filling installed swimming pools except when necessary for health care or structural integrity.
      4. Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes, golf carts.
      5. Washing buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.
      6. Non-commercial fund-raisers, such as car washes.
      7. Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls, except when necessary to support aquatic life.


  6. Declared Drought Response Level Four - No outdoor water use is allowed, other than for activities exempted in 391-3-30-.05, or as the EPD Director may order.

CCWA Outdoor Watering Schedule Violation Process

  • 1st Violation: CCWA issues customer a verbal warning.
  • 2nd Violation: CCWA issues customer a written warning.
  • 3rd Violation: CCWA issues customer a citation. The customer must then go before a Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge. The judge determines the fine up to a maximum of $500 per day.

For the full text of the outdoor water use rules, please visit the Georgia Environmental Protection Division under the "Rules & Laws" section.

CCWA customers can also visit http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/ for more information on water conservation.