VALDOSTA — Local officials want to remind South Georgians of outdoor water restrictions before switching sprinkler systems into full mode this spring.
Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta have adopted the state’s minimum requirements to prevent water shortage by limiting non-essential water use to a selected number of days. The restrictions were implemented by the state in June 2003 to help combat drought periods.
Residents and businesses with even-numbered street addresses are permitted to water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Odd-numbered street addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. No outside watering is permitted on Friday.
Violations range from fines of $30 to $200 and disconnection of water service.
Mike Allen, county utilities director, said the policy is in place year-round, but warmer months bring a renewed focus to preventing water shortage.
Notices of the policy are given to residents when they sign up for water and sewer service.
City Water and Sewer Director Leon Weeks said customers have respected the water policy throughout the years, and his department’s aggressiveness on enforcing fines depends on the amount of violations.
Allen said the county has seen a water shortage around Stone Creek in the past few years because of the amount of water used in outdoor watering. He said water shortage is preventable by adhering to restrictions.
Residents and businesses using city or county water services are subject to the policy. Private well systems are not applicable.
Who’s affected?
Any resident or business using city or county water services.
In Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta:
Residents and businesses with even-numbered street addresses can water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Odd-numbered street addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. No outside watering is permitted on Friday.
Violations in Lowndes County are subject to a written notice for the first violation; disconnection of service and a $30 reconnection fee for the second violation; and disconnection of service and a $200 reconnection fee with an additional $200 fee for each additional violation.
City violations are subject to a written notice for the first violation; disconnection of service and a $50 reconnection fee for the second violation; and disconnection of service and a $200 reconnection fee for the third violation with potential permanent disconnection for subsequent violations.
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