DeKalb County is one of 52 counties under a Level 2 drought restriction. The county is urging residents to help protect water resources by conserving water.

Under a Level 2 drought, outdoor irrigation for purposes of planting, growing, managing or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs or other plants are limited to two days a week on a odd-even schedule.
• Even numbered addresses and sites without numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.• Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• No outdoor watering is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.The following outdoor water uses are prohibited:
• Washing hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety. • Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools and waterfalls. Use of fire hydrants, except for the purposes of firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
• Washing vehicles such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes or golf carts. • Non-commercial washing, or pressure washing, of building or structures, except for immediate fire protection.
• Charity or non-commercial fundraising car washes. The following watering practices are still allowed at this time:
• Commercial agricultural operations. • Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or stormwater in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines.
• Reuse of gray water in compliance with Georgia Code Section 31-3-5.2 and applicable local board of health regulations adopted pursuant thereto. • Use of reclaimed wastewater by a designated user from a system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division of the department to provide reclaimed waste water.
• Irrigation of personal food gardens. • Irrigation of new and replanted plants, seed or turf in landscapes, golf courses or sports turf fields, during installation and for a period of 30 days immediately following the date of installation.
• Drip irrigation using soaker hoses. • Hand-watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container.
• Use of water withdrawn from private water wells or surface water by an owner or operator of property if such well or surface water is on said property. • Irrigation of horticultural crops held for sale, resale or installation.
• Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses, or public turf grass recreational areas. • Installation, maintenance or calibration of irrigation systems.
• Hydroseeding.

For more information about the latest drought status click here. For conservation tips and videos click here.