A-C watering ban gets tougher

The watering ban just got a bit tighter, meaning my grass will be toast in a matter of days.

This is from the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ...

Athens-Clarke County Increases Restrictions on Outdoor Water Use to Level Three

Due to the ongoing drought conditions, Athens-Clarke County has increased the outdoor water use restrictions to a Level 3 Drought Response. The new restrictions ban outdoor water use during weekdays, allowing outdoor water use on weekends only between 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m. in compliance with the odd/even address plan.

The restrictions are effective immediately and are as follows:

- All outdoor water use is prohibited 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

- Outdoor water use for odd numbered addresses is allowed on Sundays between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m.

- Outdoor water use for even numbered addresses is allowed on Saturdays between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 10:00 a.m.

The restrictions are for all residential, commercial, governmental, and institutional outdoor water use.

These restrictions do not include commercial and industrial use of water critical to the conduct of business such as commercial car washes, tree farms, and garden supply nurseries.

Variance Permit applications for new lawns and/or landscaping are still being accepted and reviewed during the Level 3 Drought Response.

The rainfall deficit in the Athens area for the period January 1 through June 25, 2007, is approximately 9.5 inches, with little precipitation relief predicted in the near future. In addition to the current drought conditions, the Athens area had a precipitation deficit of 8.65 inches for 2006. The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department urges citizens to follow the outdoor water restrictions and conserve water whenever possible to prevent additional restrictions to water use.