The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a Level 1 Drought Response for 103 Georgia Counties which includes Gilmer County. The Level 1 Drought Response requires water purveyors to circulate water conservation information to remind citizens of the importance of protecting our most valuable natural resource by using water wisely through conservation efforts.

The Ellijay-Gilmer County Water & Sewerage Authority (Authority), would like to remind the citizens of Gilmer County that the outdoor water use schedule required under the Water Stewardship Act of 2010 remains in place which limits outdoor watering, year-round, to the hours between 4:00pm and 10:00am. There are several exceptions to this limitation listed here. Some examples of exceptions are as follows:

• Irrigation of personal food gardens may be done at any time of the day
• Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf may be done at any time of the day for 30 days after installation
• Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses may be done at any time of the day
• Hand watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container may be done at any time of the day

The Authority would like to offer a few water conservation practices that can save significant amounts of water over the course of a year. These practices include, but are not limited to: 

• Always turn taps off tightly so that they do not drip
• Promptly repair any leaks in the plumbing system
• Use aerator and/or a water flow reducer attachment on taps to reduce water usage
• Only wash full loads of dishes in an electric dishwasher using the shortest cycle possible
• Never run water continuously while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Only wash full loads of laundry using the shortest cycle possible
• The installation of low-flush toilets can reduce water usage by 40%-50%.
• Water lawns every three to five days instead of a short period every day.

Remember, making a conscious effort to conserve water protects the environment and helps ensure that our community has ample clean drinking water even during dry periods. 

If you have any questions concerning water conservation efforts you call the Authority at (706) 276-2202, or you can visit EPD‘s website at http://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation