The following uses of water by all residential, commercial, governmental and institutional outdoor water users are defined as “wasting water” and are prohibited at all times:

1. Failure to repair or to isolate and by-pass a leak, including a broken sprinkler head or emitter, a leaking valve, faucet, pipe or toilet;
2. Use of irrigation systems or watering methods that allow potable water to flow into the public rights of way such as alleys, streets, gutters, or storm water drainage system or onto any other person’s property;
3. Operation of an irrigation system:
   • a. with a broken head or emitter,
   • b. with a head directing spray onto an impermeable surface, or
   • c. operating an irrigation system during a rain event exceeding one-quarter inch.
4. The use of water to wash down impermeable driveways, parking areas and sidewalks by direct hosing, except as permitted as follows:
   • a. by use of a hose or pressure washer equipped with a positive action quick release shutoff valve or nozzle no more than twice a year; or
   • b. when required properly to prevent or eliminate materials or conditions dangerous to the public health and safety.
5. The use of water to wash any vehicle including, but not limited to, any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or trailer, whether motorized or not, except by the use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, or a hose or pressure washer equipped with a positive action quick release shutoff valve or nozzle.

Enforcement:

Whenever any Athens-Clarke County personnel with the authority to enforce this section has reasonable cause to believe that a person is violating any of the provisions of this ordinance, a warning notice shall be issued to the customer or to the person responsible for the violation or its correction.

If the warning notice to cease or abate is not complied with within the specified time period, the Director of Public Utilities may impose a surcharge to the water bill as follows:

1. First Notice of Continuing Violation: $75.00 surcharge
2. Second Notice of Continuing Violation; $150.00 surcharge
3. If the Department determines that a user or the responsible party has failed to comply with the order to repair or abate, the Director of Public Utilities may interrupt water service to that address and service shall not be restored until the required action to cease the violation is complete and all surcharges and standard reconnection fees have been paid. Notice of interruption of service must be given at least one day prior to interruption.

For additional information, contact the Water Conservation Coordinator at 706-613-3729.

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