DeKalb County is urging residents to conserve water as the county is in “severe drought conditions,” according to a press release.
The county Department of Watershed Management said outdoor watering of lawns and plants should only be done between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. on the “odd/even” schedule. That schedule means odd-numbered street addresses should water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while even-number or unnumbered addresses should water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Some other water-saving tips from the county:
- Use a rain gauge to determine how much rained has occurred over the week before watering outdoor plants. Most outdoor plants need an inch of water per week.
- Water lawns and plants in several short sessions instead of one long session. This reduces runoff and allows water to infiltrate into soil and plant roots.
- Water lawns only when needed. If the blades of grass don’t bounce back after walking across the lawn, it is time to water. More plants die from over-watering than under-watering.
- Check for water leaks inside and outside and repair when found.
- Shorten showers and turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth.
- Fill dishwashers and washing machines to ensure there is a full load every time.
For more information on the latest drought status, go to northgeorgiawater.org and click on “Latest Water Stats.” For conservation tips, a brochure and videos, go to mydropcounts.org.