Good news, lawn lovers: effective September 7th, drought water restrictions have been lifted in Georgia! Metro Atlanta counties have been moved to Drought Level 1; the rest of the state is in Pre-Drought Level.

Under Drought Level 1, outdoor water use is allowed year round only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. This includes residents of Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Paulding, and White Counties. If you’re in a Level 1 area, remember that alternate water sources like private wells, private bodies of water, and rainwater collection containers can be used to water at any time. You can also water gardens where you grow food at any time of day. See the flyer below for more information.

If you live in the rest of the state, water away! Just don’t forget the stipulations of the Water Stewardship Act of 2010, which allows all types of outdoor water use except landscape watering, which may only be done only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Of course, the morning and evening are the most efficient times to water anyway, since evaporation is faster during the warmest part of the day. Not only that, but it’s safer to be outside in the morning and evening as well! Fall may have officially begun, but the Georgia sun is still pretty intense.

The time to start preparing your lawn for next year is now, and fortunately, these water usage restrictions have lifted just in time for the fall season of aeration, overseeding, and planting. Call Simply Green Lawn Care Plus to discuss the services you need and schedule an appointment to keep your lawn healthy, green, and full!