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Someone needs to let the homeowners on Wheeler Rd --the block before Jackson Rd--know this. Their sprinklers are on each and every morning.
Many still might not realize it, but outdoor watering guidelines in Georgia have become more stringent lately.
In addition to an odd-even day watering schedule, a time frame for watering on certain days only between midnight to 10 a.m. is in effect.
The change, part of a "level two drought" statewide conservation plan, is one that area officials are now looking to educate homeowners and businesses on.
"We want to make sure everyone's aware of the change and aware of what the rules are," said Margaret Doss, a water quality manager for Columbia County's Water Utility Division. She added that water meter readers have been informing homeowners in violation of the change either in person or by leaving a note.
In most cases, she said, those in violation weren't aware of the change.
Because of the newness of the more stringent guidelines, Columbia County homeowners are first given a verbal notice, said Billy Clayton, the county's water and sewer director.
After that, he said, homeowners could have their water cut off and face a $30 reconnection fee to have it restored.
In Columbia and Richmond counties, the new state guideline permits those at even addresses to water between midnight and 10 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Those at odd addresses may do so between midnight and 10 a.m. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. No watering is allowed on Monday.
In the city of Aiken, there are no outdoor watering bans for now. Larry Morris, the director of Aiken Public Works, said the city's ordinance for outdoor water guidelines doesn't kick in unless an official drought declaration comes from the state. He said that hasn't happened yet.
In Edgefield County, a mandatory outdoor watering restriction is in place, with those at even addresses watering during one of two permitted time frames. Those periods are either 6 to 10 a.m. or 6 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those at odd addresses may do so during the same hour restrictions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is no watering in Edgefield on Sundays.
A first warning in Edgefield results in no surcharge. One violation beyond that brings a $50 surcharge. A second violation is an additional $100. A customer's water service is cut off on a third violation beyond the initial warning. It's restored only after a $200 surcharge in addition to any other assessed charges.
In all cases, a variance could be allowed for those with new grass, plants or trees.
In Columbia County, Ms. Doss said water usage has nearly doubled from its normal winter amount. She said the county is pumping about 20 million gallons of water a day, but officials have a buffer of about 10 million gallons a day.
In Augusta, Utilities Director Max Hicks said water usage was lower in April compared with the same month a year ago, but it's not certain whether the new guidelines are the main contributor to that difference.
Water officials do say that the new guidelines are helpful as dry conditions persist. As of Tuesday, the Augusta area's rainfall total for the year was 10.9 inches, which is 5.88 inches below normal, said Hunter Coleman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in West Columbia, S.C.
Mr. Coleman said the Augusta area isn't yet in a drought, but conditions have been abnormally dry.
Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
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