Perry, GA (Houston County) 2011 Water Restrictions

The past few years the state of GA has issued guidelines and restrictions to control the use of water for extraneous purposes such as lawn watering, garden irrigation, and other non sustenance-based uses. The hot weather that is experienced in Georgia can quickly dry up water supplies and sometimes there are stretches of days or even weeks when no precipitation occurs. Since, according to the Georgia Department of Natural resources, " 50 % of total water use for a home during the summer months ,"the state issues various restrictions and enforces those regulations to varying degrees depending on the level of drought in effect.

But simple water conservation is not the only issue in view here. Regulated water use can lead to healthier plant life since over-hydration of plants can be harmful to them. Also in view reducing water usage so that sufficient water is available for streams and aquifers throughout the Peach State.

This is a guide to the local restrictions for the city of Perry, GA and tips for how you can stay within the proper guidelines but still fulfill your yard or garden watering needs this summer.

What the State of Georgia Has Issued

Georgia's water regulation rule divides up the usage of outdoor water among even- and odd-numbered houses. The schedule states that during non-drought conditions odd-numbered house are allowed to use outdoor water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday only. Conversely, even-numbered houses are allowed the usage of outdoor water on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday during non-drought conditions.

Should a drought come about, the state of Georgia will make a declaration as to the level of the drought and restrictions will be imposed based on the declared drought level. During drought periods even- and odd-numbered houses will adhere to certain scheduled days and the times at which outdoor water usage is allowed will be regulated.

For Level One drought the hours are midnight to 10:00 am and 4 pm to midnight on the regularly scheduled days. Should Level Two go into effect the hours for usage will be midnight to 10:00 am only. If the state declares a Level Three drought, then the allotted times will be midnight to 10:00 am Sunday ONLY for odd-numbered houses and midnight to 10:00 am Saturday ONLY for even-numbered houses. Level Four being the highest has the strictest restrictions with no outdoor usage allowed at all whatsoever

What You Can Do About It

As a child I used to think the weatherman on television made the weather happen. My young mind could not conceive of why the gentleman (or lady) would not simply make the daytimes pretty and sunny with rainfall at night (so that it does not interfere with my playing outside). But of course your kindly weatherman is only a messenger and Mother Nature is the one calling the shots. So since Georgians do not always receive the rain they need and must act within state and local guidelines for water restrictions, here are some tips on how to survive the warm Georgia months.

Plan Ahead

This timeless advice espoused by many a parent and school teacher finally comes home to roost. While weather predictions are not fool-proof they can provide some insight into when precipitation will occur. Use these as a guide to plan your watering in upcoming days. If there is a strong chance of rain in three days then determine if perhaps you can put off watering until the rain comes.

Borrow From Peter to Pay Paul

Perhaps this segment should be called "Borrow from Mother Nature to Pay -- Yourself!" Another means of conserving water would be to collect rain when it does fall for use during the times it does not. When a good rainfall occurs you can set out a collection of four or five watering cans to capture the rain which you can store in a greenhouse or shed to use for smaller watering jobs when rain is absent.

Another take on this tip would be to invest in a rain barrel. Rain barrels can be placed at run-off points around your house (such as the corner of a roof) to capture rain the runs off from the roof. Later you can use this collection of precipitation to fulfill your watering needs.

Collect City Water When In Use

Similar to the above suggestion, if you run a sprinkler, you can also take those times as chances to fill watering cans and store for later use during the dry times.

Install Timers

If you use an irrigation or sprinkler system to hydrate your lawn or landscaping, consider putting timers on your system to regulate the amount of water that is use. This will allow you to continue to be wise about your water usage even if you are not home. Also it will be one less thing for you to have to think about in your busy life.

Use Mulch

Mulch and the like, when used in landscaping, can hold a significant amount of moisture and prevent what moisture is present in the soil from evaporating. Pine straw, hardwood chips, "mini-nuggets" and other similar mulch can help your watering go much further if dry hot spells hit.

Protect Yourself

Last but not least, during these warm months do not forget the most important thing that needs watering: YOU! Dehydration can happy quickly and before you realize it. If you work outside often, keep a bottle or glass of water nearby and drink a lot and drink often. Once you begin feeling thirsty your body has already begun to dehydrate so drink plenty to fight off the thirst and dehydration.

Good luck and enjoy your summer!