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Drought Contingency
30 Day Irrigation Permission Form
Report a Violator: jhobgood@cityofcumming.net
With Lake Lanier Levels reaching historic lows, it becomes more evident that every drop of water is critical to our survival. Please do your part to conserve water - whether you reduce your time in the shower or collect rain water to irrigate your landscaping - every little bit helps! Please do your part.
Drought Response Unified Command (DRUC) Group Website: http://www.droughtjic.org/
Water, Use it Wisely Website: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/index.shtml
Press Releases and News Articles:
May 2008 Drought Map - North Georgia Continues to Be in Level 4 Drought
May 2008 Drought Memo From Georgia EPD
Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency Due to Drought Oct 20 2007
Governor Perdue Requires Further Water Conservation Measures
Governor Seeks Injunction to Protect Georgia’s Water Resources
Letter From Governor and EPD to Corps of Engineers Regarding Releases From Lanier
Drainage Basin Map for Lake Lanier
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Level Four Drought Declaration
La Nina Predicted For Georgia - Which Equates to a Warmer and Drier 2007 - 2008 Winter
Drought in North Georgia Worsens
Letter Form Georgia EPD Regarding Drought in North Georgia
North Georgia Drought Map
National Weather Service Drought Map
Lake Lanier Recreation Map 2007
Counties Within the Level 4 Watering Ban
Letter From GAWP Executive Director - Jack Dozier Regarding EPD Level 4 Decision
SEE NOTE - 30 Day Watering Ban Exemption Form For New Landscaping - Not Available During Times of Level 4 Drought Declaration - Note YOU MUST FAX THIS FORM TO THE CITY OF CUMMING FOR AN APPROVAL SIGNATURE OR IT WILL BE CONSIDERED INVALID BY CODE ENFORCEMENT. FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY BEFORE APPROVAL SIGNATURE WILL BE GRANTED.
Build a Rain Barrell!!
Websites with additional information:
www.gaepd.com
www.northgeorgiawater.com
www.conservewatergeorgia.net
www.georgiadrought.org
www.wateruseitwisely.com
MULCH, MULCH, MULCH!
The Finishing Touch for a Great Landscape
Choosing the Right Mulch for You
Mulch can be any of several materials that help keep moisture in your soil and protect the roots of plants, including bark, stones, wood chips, etc.
Proper mulch is the key to:
- Preventing water loss from your soil
- Reducing the need for supplemental irrigation and;
- Finishing off the overall attractiveness of your landscape
Some mulches are more expensive than others, and some are more decorative. To choose the mulch that's right for you, click here.
Much More About Mulch
Using mulch in your waterSmart landscaping plan is easier than you think, and it's an important component to your xeriscaped yard. (To learn more about xeriscaping, see below.) For simple guidelines to using mulch click on the link below:
Mulch Tips:
Make the Most of Mulch! Keep the following guidelines in mind to make the most of your mulch:
Planting Tips:
- Apply approximately three inches of mulch under ornamental plants in the landscape (avoid applying too much mulch because it encourages shallow roots)
- Place newspapers on the soil under organic mulch at planting time to improve water conservation in the soil, thoroughly soak newspapers after applying mulch
- Extend mulched areas two to three times the canopy spread of ornamental trees and shrubs
- Once mulch is in place, use your hand to pull it back 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk of trees and shrubs (this will help prevent wood rotting diseases)
Maintenance Tips:
- During periods of limited rainfall, make certain sufficient mulch is maintained beneath plants
- Remove organic mulch from around plants and place newspapers two sheets thick on soil surfaces and reapply mulch (be sure to wet the newspapers thoroughly immediately after application or they may pull moisture from the soil)
- Mulch conserves moisture by preventing evaporative water loss from the soil surface and reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during periods of limited infall.
Xeriscaping – It’s a big word for a simple idea – grouping plants together for productive growth with less water.
When you apply a few simple water-saving techniques to your landscaping plans, you can create beautiful lanscapes with much less water than you think.
Adjust your thinking to the “lower water zone” and you’ll have beautiful lawns and gardens during times of drought, as well as times of normal rainfall. All it takes is a little research into the kinds of plants that stand up to tough conditions. Once you’ve done the research, just follow some simple steps. It’s inexpensive and anyone can do it. You don’t have to be an expert to plan a beautiful landscape.
Follow these seven simple steps and you will be well on your way to a beautiful lawn and water-efficient landscape.
- Step 1: Pull out the Sketchpad - Planning For Maximum Growth With Minimum Water
- Step 2: Get Your Hands Dirty - Easy Ways to Evaluate Your Soil
- Step 3: Pick the Right Plants - Choose Plants with Similar Water Needs and Plant Together
- Step 4: Choose Your Turf - Find Out Which Grass is Best for Your Region
- Step 5: Enter the Water Zone - Plan for Efficient Irrigation
- Step 6: Apply the Finishing Touch - Use Mulch to Prolong the Life of Plants
- Step 7: Test Your Green Thumb - Careful Maintenance for a Great-Looking Lawn
Know Your Turf Grasses: Click Here for More Information!
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