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 June 5, 2008, Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Director Dr. Carol Couch approved modified outdoor watering restrictions for Clayton County.

Clayton County Water Authority customers are now under Level IVc restrictions. The eased restrictions allow customers to wash their vehicles and water their lawn on designated days between the hours of midnight - 10 a.m.


Effective June 5, 2008 - December 31, 2008:

  • Odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between the hours of midnight – 10 a.m.
  • Even numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of midnight - 10 a.m.
  • No outdoor watering is allowed on Fridays.
  • Swimming pools may be filled without restrictions on day or time.
  • Watering of food gardens is allowed without restrictions on day or time.
  • 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.

The GA EPD announced on May 6, 2008 that Level IV outdoor watering restrictions would remain in place for EPD permitted utilities and local governments in 55 counties, including Clayton County. However, EPD Director Couch also announced that utilities in the Level IV counties that do not rely on Lake Lanier and water releases from Buford Dam would be allowed to petition for a modified drought response.

Clayton County Water Authority officials petitioned for a modified drought response and received notice from EPD on June 5 that the petition was approved.

While Clayton County is now operating under modified restrictions, the county still remains in the Drought Response Level IV area.

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.