A green, healthy lawn needs regular watering, especially during Georgia’s hot summers. A beautiful green lawn is the reward for all your hard work, giving your home the curb appeal you want. Although watering your lawn might seem simple, you must know the rules. Georgia has specific watering rules to protect its water supply, especially during droughts.
Understanding and following these rules will help you conserve water and avoid fines. Lawn Squad® is here to help you care for your lawn and keep it healthy. From statewide watering restrictions to guidelines, here is everything Georgia homeowners need to know to keep their lawns well-watered while obeying the rules.
Why Georgia Has Lawn Watering Rules
Every state has regulations for lawn watering because water is a limited and valuable resource. Georgia has experienced historical droughts throughout the years, notably in 2010-2012, but there have also been shorter droughts. Local and state lawmakers have worked to create policies that promote water conservation.
Many Georgia homeowners and business owners use irrigation systems to water their lawns. Unrestricted water use can strain the municipal system. Georgia’s lawn watering restrictions have the following goals:
- Water supply sustainability
- Waste reduction
- Runoff reduction
- River, lake, and groundwater protection
Georgia passed these laws to help control water usage throughout the year so that it does not have to impose stricter restrictions during droughts. The state takes water conservation seriously.
Georgia’s Outdoor Water Usage Schedule
Georgia passed the Water Stewardship Act in 2010 after severe droughts and increasing growth. The Act imposes a statewide water schedule that is in effect all year.
You may water your lawn between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. only. The law applies even during drought-free periods. Watering during the late afternoons, evenings, and early mornings helps decrease water evaporation and helps your lawn roots absorb more water.
Allowed Watering Activities
You should know that Georgia does not restrict all outdoor watering activities. There are a few exceptions:
You can hand water your lawn with a hose and spray nozzle anytime. You may also use drip irrigation or soaker hoses 24/7 without facing a penalty.
Georgia allows you to water newly planted sod or landscaping at any time during the first 30 days after planting. Here at Lawn Squad®, we want you to understand early watering is the key to healthy sod and landscape plantings.
These rules allow a little flexibility in watering your lawn. We can help you determine the best watering schedule for your Central Georgia lawn.
Drought Response and Restrictions
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) can issue drought response levels according to the severity of the threat. The levels range from one to four, with level four being the most severe. Each level comes with different watering limitations.
- Level One: 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. schedule
- Level Two: Limits landscape watering to two days a week based on your street address
- Level Three or Four: Potential bans on landscape watering
Although Georgia enforces watering rules at the state level, local governments may have stricter regulations depending on area needs, especially in those areas that rely on surface water. You should check with your city or county water authority to confirm the current lawn watering regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
You could face fines if you fail to comply with Georgia’s watering rules. Local water departments and code enforcement officers can issue warnings or citations. In severe cases, they may shut off your water. Fines for breaking the rules can range from $25 to $500, depending on the severity of your violation. Repeated violations are more likely to result in more severe penalties.
How to Avoid Penalties
You can avoid penalties by setting your irrigation system to run only during approved hours. You should keep receipts for any new sod or landscape plantings. Educate your family members about the water usage rules to help avoid any accidental usage issues.
Smart Watering Practices
Smart watering is all about using every drop of water. Following the rules will protect Georgia’s water supply from needless waste and ensure your lawn receives the most benefit. Using the proper watering techniques will also save you on your water bills.
Water During Permitted Hours
Watering during the permitted schedule means less evaporation, so more water reaches your grass roots, where it is needed the most. Sticking with this schedule means less wasted water and full compliance with the law.
Use Rain Sensors
Installing a rain sensor on your irrigation system is an affordable and easy way to conserve water. These sensors detect any rainfall and automatically shut off the irrigation system. You can add rain sensors to most irrigation systems.
Consider Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation systems are much more effective at watering your lawn than traditional sprinkler systems. They deliver water to the roots, helping reduce runoff and evaporation. Drip irrigation systems are especially beneficial for flower garden beds and other landscape features.
Install a Smart Irrigation Controller
Smart controls can transform the way you water your lawn in East Dublin. These controllers use weather data and soil moisture readings to adjust the watering schedule.
Smart controls can automatically adjust according to seasonal needs. Many models can be controlled via smartphone apps, which allow you to control your irrigation system on the go.
Seek Regular Maintenance
A properly maintained irrigation system is less likely to waste water. You should regularly check the sprinkler heads, hoses, and drip lines for any signs of damage. Make sure there are no leaks, blockages, or misalignments. Adjust your sprinkler heads to avoid wasting water on sidewalks, driveways, and roads.
Consider Your Plants’ Needs
We are here to educate you on your plants’ watering needs. To reduce water waste, consider grouping plants with similar watering needs and planting drought-tolerant plants.
Seasonal Watering Adjustments
Keeping a healthy lawn and conserving water means adjusting your watering schedule throughout the year. With Georgia’s varied climate, your lawn and plants will need different amounts of moisture based on the season.
Spring
Lawns typically require more water after coming out of winter. Fortunately, Georgia usually sees more rain showers during spring. Start with one to two deep waterings weekly and adjust the schedule according to the soil moisture levels.
Summer
Georgia summers are hot and dry. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.
Fall
Cooler temperatures and shorter days dramatically slow grass growth. Gradually reduce watering during the fall, but do not stop until your grass goes dormant. Fall is a good time to seek aeration and fertilization.
Winter
Most grasses go dormant during the winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal growth. You should only water your lawn if the soil becomes extremely dry.
Water Your Lawn Properly
Lawn Squad® offers extensive lawn care services in East Dublin and surrounding areas. We provide aeration, fertilization, overseeding, and other services to help you maintain a beautiful lawn. We can help your lawn become the envy of the neighborhood. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
