June 2009 - News Flash: DROUGHT IS OVER!
The State of Georgia has returned to a non-drought schedule for outdoor water use. Under a non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed thre days a week on assigned days, using odd even-numbered addresses.
- Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Water use may occur at any time of the day on the assigned days, but to be water efficient, landscape watering should not occur between 10 AM and 4 PM. The non-drought schedule is included in the Rules for Outdoor Water Use adopted by the Board of Natural Resources in 2004.
Visit the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for more information.
White Oak Landscape promotes the responsible and efficient use of water in our homes and businesses. We strive to stay current on the regulations of our state to provide you with the best service and drought-friendly advice for your investment.
Visit the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council Resources Page for more information on how to maintain a drought-friendly landscape or contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations for your area.
Questions about Landscaping and Drought?
Can I install plants at my home or business?
Can I install turf at my home or business?
Is White Oak Landscape registered with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program?
How do I register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program?
Can I water my established landscape?
When can I water?
What is the best way to water?
Can I use my irrigation system?
Can I connect my irrigation system to an existing lake or pond and use that water?
What are Rain Barrels?
What is Grey Water?
If I can’t water at all, what are some other options?
In what ways can I NOT use water outdoors?
What parts of my landscape need the most water?
Can I install plants at my home or business?
YES! Although the State of Georgia is still observing Level 4 drought conditions, recent relaxations in the restrictions allow for the hand watering of newly installed landscapes by any person who has registered with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program following these guidelines:
- Watering is allowed for 30 days during a period of 10 weeks
- Watering is restricted to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- 3 days/week for 10 consecutive weeks on an odd/even schedule
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- During installation, new landscapes may be watered in at any time of the day
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
Can I install turf at my home or business?
YES! Although the State of Georgia is still observing Level 4 drought conditions, recent relaxations in the restrictions allow for the hand watering of newly installed landscapes by any person who has registered with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program following these guidelines:
- Watering is allowed for 30 days during a period of 10 weeks
- Watering is restricted to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- 3 days/week for 10 consecutive weeks on an odd/even schedule
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- During installation, new landscapes may be watered in at any time of the day
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
Is White Oak Landscape registered with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program?
YES! This means that White Oak Landscape has permission to water at your home or business while we are on site and until our last day of installation. At that time, the 30 day time period begins. Each crew performing installation work has an Outdoor Watering Certificate that is good for the job location they are working. This certificate is available while the crew is on the job site.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
How do I register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program?
- At your county extension service office (1-800-ASK-UGA1) - free
- Online at www.urbanagcouncil.com - $ 4.95 convenience fee charge
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
Can I water my established landscape?
YES! Although the State of Georgia is still observing Level 4 drought conditions, recent relaxations in the restrictions allow for the hand watering of established landscapes following these guidelines:
- Watering is allowed for 30 days during a period of 10 weeks
- Watering is restricted to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- During installation, new landscapes may be watered in at any time of the day
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
- Watering is restricted to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- During installation, new landscapes may be watered in at any time of the day
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
What is the best way to water?
First, we highly recommend using H2O to nourish your landscape (just joking, but really, use water). For established or newly installed landscapes, water is best applied by hand, holding the hose nozzle directly to the base of the plant. Make sure to water deeply and thoroughly, as this encourages deep root growth. Deep root growth establishes better water sources for the plant, and decreasing your need to add water in the future.
If the ground around your plant is hard, water for a few minutes, allow for absorption, then return to add more water. Although plants and trees are different, it is far better to water and saturate your plants once a week, than water briefly each day, to encourage the deep root growth.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
Can I use my irrigation system?
According to Level 4 drought regulations, irrigation systems cannot be engaged if they are connected to City Water. If, however, your system uses well water or is pumped from a private water source, you may run your irrigation system during the times allotted under level 4 restrictions:
- Watering is restricted to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
White Oak Landscape has the ability to connect your irrigation system to a well water source or private lake or pond. Please contact us and ask us how!
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
Can I connect my irrigation system to an existing lake or pond and use that water?
YES! White Oak Landscape has the ability and experience to connect your irrigation system to a private water source, such as a well or private lake or pond. Once installed, make sure to clearly display at your home or business that you are using well or lake water to water your landscape.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
What are Rain Barrels?
Rain Barrels are water tanks which store and make later use of rain water shed from rooftops and collected via rain gutters. Rain Barrels come in a variety of materials (wood, plastic, etc) and colors so to blend well in your landscape. Although initial costs are high, rain barrels are great ways to store and used rain water runoff to water and preserve your landscape. Most home improvement stores have rain barrels available for purchase.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
What is Grey Water?
Grey water is the non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as bathing, dishwashing and laundry. Grey water has lower levels of contamination and hazard, and has been considered for recycled use in landscape watering. Grey water must be collected separately from other household water and filtered for use. Although not potable, grey water can be applied to landscapes, preferably at the base of the plant.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
If I can’t water at all, what are some other options?
In some circumstances, all outdoor water use is prohibited. There are ways, however, to get valuable water to your landscape without pulling out the hose.
- Place bags of ice, or ice from your freezer, under you thirsty plants. This accomplishes two things; waters your plant and does it deep. The ice melts slowly, so the water has a chance to soak down deep to the roots without running off.
- Save a few gallon milk jugs and fill with water (saved indoors or from your AC unit). Puncture a few small holes in the bottom and place under plant. The water will leak slowly and water the plant deeply.
- Install a Rain Barrel to collect rain water runoff from your roof. The water can be distributed throughout your landscape with a connected hose.
- Fill up buckets as you wait for your faucet or shower to warm and use this water outside.
- Catch condensation from your AC unit.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
RETURN TO TOP
In what ways can I NOT use water outdoors?
Under Level 4 drought conditions, the following activities are prohibited:
- Using hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety.
- Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes, golf carts.
- Washing buildings or structures except for immediate fire protection.
- Non-commercial fund-raisers, such as car washes.
- Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls except when necessary to support aquatic life.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
What parts of my landscape need the most water?
Once well established, most shrubs and trees in your landscape will need little water attention. However, the two most “water needy” elements of your landscape include:
- Newly Installed Plants – Anytime a plant is installed, it undergoes a bit of stress. The best way to quickly establish your plant is to make sure it gets adequate water from the moment it is installed. Make sure to water deeply and direct water application to the base of the plant. Proper mulching and good soil conditions also decrease the evaporation of water.
- Turf – due to its nature of rapid season growth and constant sheering, this element of your landscape requires more water than the rest of your established plantings. We recommend eliminating these areas with hardscaping, trees or shrubs to decrease this constant water need.
If you would rather not eliminate your turf areas, set your mower to a higher cut setting to decrease the time between mowing and slow growth. Or, consider installing more drought friendly turf varieties such as Bermuda or Zoysia.
Please contact your local water authorities for specific watering regulations.
This is invisible text so the page does not blow up in Safari. It has to go and wrap one line or you don't have growing white space.
This is invisible text so the page does not blow up in Safari. It has to go and wrap one line or you don't have growing white space.
© White Oak Landscape Co., Inc. 2008 All Rights Reserved | Site Use Policy | Website design by Griffiti Atlanta
