§ 154-73.5. Authority to restrict water usage to avoid or relieve a local water shortage, or during emergency conditions.

(a)

Authority. In accordance with O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-7(a)(1) and 12-5-7(a)(2), the commissioner may implement special water conservation measures during emergency conditions that threaten the public health, safety or welfare, or for repairs, water shortages or potential water shortages in addition to any outdoor water use restrictions in place during non-drought conditions or declared drought response levels. The type, nature, degree, commencement and duration of any restrictions or prohibitions are to be determined by order of the commissioner and in accordance with O.C.G.A. §§ 12-57(a)(1) and 12-5-7(a)(2).

(b)

Restrictions. The water conservation measures imposed by the commissioner under section 154-73.5(a), above, may include restrictions or prohibitions on nonessential uses such as swimming pool filling, watering of lawns and gardens, washing of recreational or other vehicles, equipment, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, and other paved areas, recreational uses, and any other uses which the commissioner may deem to be nonessential.

(c)

Notice. Prior to the imposition of any restrictions under this ordinance, written notice of the restrictions or prohibitions imposed under this section due to water shortage, potential water shortage, emergency, or prolonged routine maintenance interruptions shall be provided to the city council and through the news media simultaneously. The notice shall set forth the specific nature of the restrictions or prohibitions, the reasons for the imposition of the restrictions or prohibitions, the date upon which the restrictions or prohibitions become effective, and their duration. Notice is not required for emergency diversions of water or emergency repairs; except to the city council.

(d)

Modifications and additional restrictions. The commissioner of the department of watershed management, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-7(a)(1) and 12-5-7(a)(2), may modify or cancel water restrictions and schedules or add additional restrictions for any and all water users from time to time as conditions affecting the water system such as drought, emergency, repairs, water shortages, or potential water shortages, may worsen or abate. Modifications to water restriction schedules may include but are not limited to restricting public parks and recreational facilities to the scheduled days of Monday and Friday during the hours of 12:00 midnight to 10:00 a.m., during declared drought response level three.

(Ord. No. 2007-39(07-O-0956), § 7, 6-26-07; Ord. No. 2010-70(10-O-1914), § 7, 12-15-10)