Water Authority Eases Level 4 Restrictions
The Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority eased its restrictions on outdoor water usage last Thursday night.
Customers still can’t water their lawns or wash their cars, but all of the commercial exemptions to the level four water restrictions that were eliminated last fall are restored.
What that means is that landscapers can irrigate newly installed turf and plants, sod producers, growers of ornamentals or fruits and vegetables and garden centers can all irrigate. It means that hydro-seeding, power washing and car wash operations can resume and that water can be used again to mix mortar.
In short, businesses that had to find alternative sources of water can now use Jackson County water for operations.
The move comes after Athens-Clarke, Jefferson and Commerce took similar action.
So, while it’s still illegal for someone to wash his or her own vehicle, there are no longer any restrictions on commercial car washes.
“We are getting behind other water systems in sales of water,” observed Eric Klerk, manager, in recommending the loosening of restrictions.
The move also confirms for JCWSA customers the recommendations of Gov. Sonny Perdue, including the filling and operating of swimming pools, and the hand watering of landscapes on an odd-even schedule for up to 25 minutes a day.
The change is effective immediately.
But while the water restrictions are loosened, the system must still meet the governor’s 10 percent reduction in usage. Fortunately, starting April 1, that reduction will be based on last year’s spring and summer average daily water sales instead of the winter sales numbers, which are lower.
