DeKalb suspends hydrant meter rentals for residential and recreational

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) announces that hydrant water meter rental operations are suspended immediately in most cases in response to the Level 2 Drought declaration.

This suspension applies to all residential and recreational use such as filling swimming pools, events and video production. Construction for new development, which is exempt under the Level 2 drought, is the only exception to this suspension.

“We are asking DeKalb County residents and businesses to keep water conservation in mind and be aware of the restrictions that must be put in place while these drought conditions persist,” said DWM Director Scott Towler.

Fire hydrant meters often are rented by private developers, event organizers and residential swimming pool owners for short periods of time.

In November 2016, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division announced the Level 2 drought in 52 counties including DeKalb. Under the Level 2 drought, several water restrictions have been implemented in DeKalb, including:

1. Washing hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways, except when necessary for public health and safety.
2. Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools and waterfalls.
3. Use of fire hydrants, except for the purposes of firefighting, public health, safety or flushing.
4. Washing vehicles, such as cars, boats, trailers, motorbikes, airplanes or golf carts.
5. Noncommercial washing, or pressure washing, of buildings or structures, except for immediate fire protection.
6. Charity or noncommercial fundraiser car washes.

Outdoor irrigation for planting, growing, managing or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs or other plants shall be limited to two days a week on an odd-even schedule.

• Even numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• No outdoor watering is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In December, DeKalb County sent approximately 5,000 notifications to food service establishments to advise of required restrictions related to the current Level 2 drought. In that letter, all food service establishments were instructed to serve water only to customers who request it as part of DeKalb County’s drought restrictions response.