Madison County Master Gardener's Association

The director of the state Enviromental Protection Division has exempted Madison County from the state's current Level 4 outdoor watering ban.

Madison County residents with even number addresses can now water for as long as they want between midnight and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Those with odd number addresses can water for the same period on Thursdays and Sundays.

Please see Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Enviromental Protection Division, Rules on Outdoor Water Resources for more information.

Georgia Counties Under State Drought Response Level Four

Indoor Water Conservation Tips:   

• Check your water system for any leaks.
• Take a " Navy" shower. Rinse, turn water off, soap up, turn water on and rinse again.
• Keep a 10-gallon bucket in your shower. When it is full, water outdoor plants. You can also keep a bucket in your kitchen. Pour water you would normally pour down the sink into the bucket.
• Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth.
• Dispose of floor sweepings in the trash, not the toilet.
• If you have an old toilet, consider switching it for a new, water-conserving model. If this home improvement project isn't in the budget, at least make sure your toilet isn't running when it shouldn't be. If it is, replace the flapper mechanism inside the tank. This inexpensive fix could save you gallons of water each week - and reduce your water bill.
• To check your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Do not flush the toilet. Let it sit for a while. If the water in the bowl has changed color, to the color of the food coloring you added, then you have a slow leak.
• Hand-wash your dishes. Fill one sink with soapy water and one sink with rinse water. If you have to use your dishwasher, make sure it is full before running it.
• Top-loading machines can use as much as 40 gallons per wash, while front-loading models use less than 20. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Don't run your washing machine if it isn't full. Consider switching to a front-loading washer.
• Use your food disposal unit sparingly. Instead, create a compost pile. You will waste less water and have compost to use on your landscaping once the drought is over!