Drought Means DeKalb Still Under Water Restrictions

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- For the past five months, three-fourths of Georgia has been under level 2 drought conditions, which means severe water restrictions for metro Atlanta, including DeKalb County. The county's Department of Watershed Management recently reminded residents that the outdoor washing of vehicles, including charity car washes, are prohibited.

Businesses such as commercial car washes that recycle water or that are linked to a sanitary sewer are permitted.

In November, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a level 2 drought in 52 counties. The pronouncement meant that state officials had to impose harsher rules on residents to conserve water.

“During this prolonged period of severe drought in Georgia, we are bolstering the state’s drought response in more than 100 counties,” Gov. Nathan Deal said at the time. “I would like to remind Georgians that there are specific guidelines and prohibitions to follow during a Level 1 and Level 2 Drought Response. We urge these communities to act accordingly, use good judgment and avoid outdoor burning and watering while we continue to work with the EPD and pray for rain across the state.”

Prohibited outdoor water uses include:

· Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks.

· Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains.

· The use of fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety.

· Non-commercial washing of vehicles.

· Non-commercial pressure washing.

· Fundraising car washes.

DeKalb officials said that the drought is so bad that the county's water source, Lake Lanier has yet to recover.

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