September 14, 2011 PRESS RELEASE City of Griffin Public Works and Utilities Announces

Drought Restriction Level Three (Modified)

The drought continues in the Mid Georgia Area. Friday September 9, 2011 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) reported for the 60 day prediction that the drought would worsen in this area of the state. Four separate forecasting models from around the country continue to model Mid-Georgia for little to no rain. Due to our deficit in rainfall and the continued long range projection of little to no rain, more stringent water restrictions are needed to help preserve our raw water supply for drinking water purposes. The levels in the Flint River and the tributaries to Heads Creek Reservoir continue its course for a record low. Therefore, effective Friday, September 16, 2011, the following Mandatory Restrictions on Outside Watering will be placed into effect. Please practice water conservation to help conserve our most precious resource WATER Thank You for your cooperation in this serious matter. The following Mandatory Restrictions on Outside Watering are as follows:

A TOTAL WATER BAN ON OUTSIDE WATERING

Prohibits:
Pools water will be allowed if it affects the structural integrity of the pool Outdoor lawns and landscape Vehicle washing Ornamental Fountains, Reflecting Pools, and Waterfalls unless affects aquatic life Outside building washing Washing of hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks except for public health purposes Non-commercial fund raising car washes.

Exceptions:
Reuse water allowed Gray water reuse allowed Newly installed landscape installed by professionally certified or licensed landscapers, golf course contractors, and sports turf landscapers: during installation and 30 days following installations only. Professional landscapers must be certified or licensed for commercial exemptions to apply but must water 12:00 midnight to 10:00 in morning. Irrigation contractors; during installations and as needed for proper maintenance and adjustments only Food gardens for personal use Golf courses using reclaimed water Retail Garden and Nursery Centers Sod producers Commercial food and fruit growers Commercial car washers Commercial pressure washers Hydro-seeding Construction sites Watering-in of pesticides and herbicides on turf Other activities essential to daily business

Please note: Due to current reservoir levels, the drinking water can be tainted with a brownish color. The water is safe to drink and meets all drinking water quality standards.

Your understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works and Utilities Department at 770-229-6603.

Sec. 94-357. - Enforcement of mandatory water conservation practices, water use restrictions, and water supply emergency orders.
(a) It shall be a violation of this article for any person, firm, or corporation to use or permit the use of potable water from the city water system for any purpose or use restricted or prohibited by mandatory water conservation practices established hereunder, or by an administrative order imposing water use restrictions or a water use emergency as provided by this article. (b) Violators shall be cited to appear before the municipal court of the city, or other court of appropriate jurisdiction within the system's customer service area, and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine as set forth in section 1-12 of this Code, or, if applicable, charged upon state warrant with committing a misdemeanor as defined by general law. (c) In addition thereto, in the sole discretion of the director of public utilities, a water use surcharge, in an amount double the customer's most recent monthly water bill, may be imposed on any customer for a first violation of this article; and a water use surcharge, in an amount triple the customer's most recent monthly water bill, may be imposed for a second violation of this article. For any subsequent violations within any 12-month period, water service shall be discontinued to any customer of the city water system that willfully or systematically violates restrictions or prohibitions on water usage after written notice from the director of the facts establishing such violation. When service has been discontinued under this section, service shall not be reinstated unless the customer posts a surety bond in the amount of $5,000.00, payable to the city, conditioned on faithful adherence to all water use policies and restrictions of the system. (Ord. No. 10-05, 1, 11-23-2010)