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Restrictions beyond those of the state include reduction in days, limited hours

Due to excessive outdoor water use and the failure of some residents to comply with the existing state-wide water ban, Forsyth County and the City of Cumming have implemented increased water restrictions effective immediately.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jack Conway and Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt are asking city and county water customers to comply with these expanded restrictions to help avoid severe water shortages.

Effective immediately, no outdoor watering is permitted on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Even-numbered addresses (house numbers ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no house number): Outdoor water use is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Odd-numbered addresses (house numbers ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9): Outdoor water use is allowed on Tuesdays and Sundays.

On appropriate days, outdoor watering may only occur between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m. and between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and midnight.

Use of hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing is prohibited.

City and county officials noted that adherence to the restrictions is critical and that non-compliance may result in intensified regulations as well as a possible boil water notice.

Enforcement of the outdoor water restrictions will be increased. Violators are subject to citation, which can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

Water shortages are not only a local issue, but a regional and state-wide issue as well. The deficit in rain fall has been complicated even more by the excessive release of water from Lake Lanier by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In recognition of these factors, Governor Perdue announced today a Level One drought across Georgia.

For details on restrictions for Forsyth County and City of Cumming water customers and information on exemptions please visit www.forsythco.com or www.cummingutilities.com.