June 10, 2009: The state of Georgia has returned to a non-drought schedule for outdoor water use. Accordingly, Forsyth County residents can resume their outdoor water use following the non-drought schedule. Under this schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days.

Odd numbered addresses (ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may use outdoor water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Even numbered addresses (ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no number) may use outdoor water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Outdoor water use on Fridays is still not allowed.

Residents may water at any time during their assigned days, however landscape watering is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because of its limited effectiveness.

A “newly installed landscape” is any plant, seed or turf that has been in place less than 30 days. Replanting or reseeding an existing lawn is also considered a newly installed landscape. New landscaping may be installed by anyone (professional or homeowner/property owner). Irrigation of newly installed landscapes is allowed any day of the week, but only during allowed hours for the drought response level in effect, for a period of 30 days following installation. After thirty days, the non-drought schedule applies. For new landscapes installed by certified or licensed professionals, commercial exemptions apply.


A receipt showing the date of installation MUST be faxed to 770 205-4515 Attn: Paula to be eligible for this exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I allowed to wash my vehicle? Yes, on your assigned watering day
   
2. Am I allowed to pressure wash my house, deck, driveway and/or sidewalk? Yes, on your assigned watering day
   
3. Am I allowed to use my irrigation systems? Yes, on your assigned watering day (however, landscape watering is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because of its limited effectiveness)

Click here to view the June 10 press release from the office of Governor Sonny Perdue.

Penalties for Violations
At their March 6, 2008 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted an amendment to Chapter 18, Article VI of the Forsyth County Code of Ordinances (Ordinance #88 – Water Use Ordinance) to modify the enforcement provisions for violations of the Code and for other lawful purposes. These revised penalties became effective March 7, 2008.

The approved modifications allow for the levying of administrative fines for water restriction violations. Fines are cumulative for a 24-month period and will appear on customer’s water bills.

First Violation: Written notice posted at the property where the violation occurred

Second Violation: $100 administrative penalty placed upon water bill of the service address where violation occurred

Third Violation: $500 administrative penalty placed upon water bill of the service address where violation occurred

Fourth and Subsequent Violations: $1,000 administrative penalty placed upon water bill of the service address where violation occurred and service termination, plus applicable charges for reconnection of service

Any administrative penalties imposed shall be payable to the Water and Sewer Department as part of the customer’s regular bill for water service and shall not be affected by the filing of any appeal. Any customer receiving such a penalty may request and be granted an appeal hearing before the Forsyth County Zoning Board of Appeals. The appellate fee is set at $50.

Ordinance Regarding Enforcement of Water Restrictions

Water Conservation Announcement Video