Beginning Monday, customers of the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority can irrigate their yards from midnight to 10 a.m. one day a week.
But they still won’t be able to wash their own cars.
The Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority voted Tuesday afternoon, upon receipt of permission from the Environmental Protection Division, to offer member counties the option of accepting the new ‘Level 4A” option of water restrictions.
That level allows the one day a week of irrigation; the basin authority voted to stagger irrigation through weekdays as follows:
Addresses ending in 0-1, Mondays
Addresses ending in 2-3, Tuesdays
Addresses ending in 4-5, Wednesdays
Addresses ending in 6-7, Thursdays
Addresses ending in 8-9, Fridays
In addition, residents can still hand-water plants for 25 minutes from midnight to 10 a.m. on an odd-even schedule. Those with odd-numbered addresses can hand-water Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while those with even-numbered addresses can hand-water from midnight to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The filling of pools is still allowable at any time on any day, but the washing of hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways is prohibited. The power washing of buildings and residences is permissible, but only if done by a licensed individual, according to the EPD. Washing of vehicles is prohibited, except in a commercial car wash.
“A word of caution,” advises Eric Klerk, manager of the Jackson County system. “Because these guidelines are tied to weather patterns, they are subject to being more restrictive during the summer months.”
Klerk advises customers to frequently check the JCW&SA website at www.jcwsa.com for updates or call JCW&&SA’s office at 706-367-1741.
Meanwhile, the Bear Creek Reservoir dropped below full pool this week for the first time since winter. It was .16 feet below full as of Monday.
