PUBLIC NOTICE
FOR
IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
October 24, 2019
GA EPD DECLARES LEVEL 1 DROUGHT – IMPACTS FOR SPRINGFIELD
RESIDENTS
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a Level 1 Drought Response for 53 Georgia counties, including Effingham County and the City of Springfield. In order to be responsible stewards of our water supply, residents are encouraged to take steps to conserve water in their homes and places of businesses and are reminded to abide by the Georgia Water Stewardship Act and City of Richmond Hill outdoor watering restrictions.
he Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a Level 1 Drought Response for 53 Georgia counties, including Effingham County and the City of Springfield. In order to be responsible stewards of our water supply, residents are encouraged to take steps to conserve water in their homes and places of businesses and are reminded to abide by the Georgia Water Stewardship Act and City of Richmond Hill outdoor watering restrictions.
Below are a few water conservation tips.
- Limit dishwashing and laundry to only full loads.
- Fix leaky faucets. A leak of 60 drips a minute wastes 192 gallons a month.
- Reduce your shower by 2 minutes and you can save 5 gallons per shower
- Check your toilets for leaks.
- Turn water off while you shave or brush your teeth. This could save at least 100 gallons of water a week.
- Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight rather than using running tap of hot water.
- Look for EPA Water Sense and EnergyStar labeled products when shopping for new appliances and fixtures.
- Landscape with native plants or plants well adapted to our region.
- Adjust sprinklers to ensure lawn is watered and not sidewalks, streets or house.
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off.
The City of Springfield Code of Ordinances limits outdoor water use during a declared drought response level one to the following:
- Outdoor water use may occur on scheduled days within the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight
- Scheduled days for odd-numbered addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Scheduled days for even-numbered addresses are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Use of hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing is prohibited. To account for water utilized, a hydrant meter shall be installed prior to all line-flushing events.
Exemptions to outdoor water use restrictions can be found in Section 35-153 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances.