On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources issued a declaration of a Level 1 Drought Response statewide. This declaration requires that public water systems, like the City of Canton, implement a public information campaign that includes public notice regarding the drought conditions as well as drought-specific public service messages.
At this time, a Level 1 Drought Declaration does not impact what water users can do but rather seeks to get water users to use caution in water usage activities. Examples of good water use practices include common-sense approaches such as:
- Regularly checking for, and repairing, leaks inside and outside your home.
- Watering landscape when necessary and adjusting sprinklers to ensure they are not over-spraying to areas such as streets, sidewalks, and driveways.
- Limit running water. When brushing teeth, shaving, or washing things in the sink, consider turning off the tap unless it is time to rinse.
Under a Level 1 Drought Response, general landscape watering may be done between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. each day and the following activities may be done at any time of the day:
- Irrigation of personal food gardens;
- Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf for 30 days after installation;
- Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses;
- Hand watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container.
To learn more about water conversation practices, visit https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation
“The City of Canton is committed to active communication to our customers about the Level 1 Drought and will update its website, social media, and utility bills moving forward during this state-issued declaration,” stated Billy Peppers, City Manager.
