Polk now under Level 2 drought restrictions with limited watering

Not long after posting comments from Polk County Water Authority general manager Jack Damron last night, he got in touch with the state Environmental Protection Division and got a clear message from the agency: the county is indeed under Level 2 drought restrictions.

He sent the following press release this morning:

As of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016, Polk County Water Authority was advised by the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division that Polk County was included in a Level 2 Drought Alert.

A Level 2 Drought Alert will affect customers by limiting water use by further restrictions. General outdoor watering for irrigation purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants, is limited to TWO (2) days per week on an Odd-Even schedule. Even numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesday and Saturday between the

hours of 4 p.m to 10 a.m. Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Thursday and Sunday between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: NO OUTDOOR WATERING IS ALLOWED ON MONDAYS OR FRIDAYS

Additionally, outdoor watering is prohibited for washing hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety. Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls is prohibited except for immediate fire protection. For more information regarding Georgia EPD watering restric- tions please visit www.rules. sos.ga.gov and search Drought Response Level 2.

In a statement from Gov. Nathan Deal, he urged communities and its citizens to act accordingly, using good judgment to avoid outdoor burning and watering until weather conditions improve.

Polk County Water Authority (PCWA) management has implemented the following rules for violations of watering restrictions. Further notifications and changes may occur:

1st Offense Warning will be issued

2nd Offense Violators will be fined at an amount TBD

3rd Offense Water service may be disconnected

PCWA WILL BE WORKING IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH LOCAL FIRE FIGHTERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ENFORCE THESE RESTRICTIONS.

For more information please contact the Authority offices at 770-748-6001, visit our Facebook page: Polk Water Authority, or visit our website at www.polkwaterauthority.com

The City of Cedartown also sent out a similar notice last week.

Locally, the City of Cedartown is still asking residents to volunteer to stop all outdoor watering for conservation efforts during the drought.