New water restictions in Cobb county Ga

[pressurepls]

Hi all,

Just thought I would post this from the great dry state of Georgia so others in this area will stay compliant. As soon as I found out about this yesterday I was on the phone to cobb county . Spoke to several water authorities there , asking what specifically we could do and not do . The bottom line is you can clean houses or any structure but you can not clean concrete ..at all. You are allowed to clean restaurants but only if there is a safety or health issue ....like dumpster pads and such. The only thing that I am having a hard time with is the fact that the landscapers and car washes are getting a lot of attention as they should however it seems that we have no voice to the public to let them know that we can clean a house in cobb county. The average homeowner is under the impression that there is absolutely no pressure washing to occur there. here is the link to the Cobb county site : http://www.cobbcountyga.gov/drought-information.htm



Todd Gano
Email: pressurepls@comcast.net
Fax: 678-494-1306
Web Page: www.pressurepluspro.com

Water is important for life.So please arrange the water supply

[John Doherty]

Feel for you Todd, went through it in Denver a few years ago.

This would be where having a strong national org would be helpful. Just having the prez of such an org call your local newspapers or news station would give you guys there at least a little support.

[Doug Dahlke]

I called Paulding County today to find out if power washing is restricted and was told yes. I asked about doing flatwork if you had the ability to recycle your water and was told the only way anyone could wash in Paulding was if they hauled water in from outside the county.

You're right about this being a situation for a national org. A third of Georgia is listed as under an extraordinary drought, the problem extends into Tennessee and parts of the Carolinas as well. Where are the people who should be talking to state and county officials on behalf of their members? Where are the representatives who could be educationg law makers that professional power washers use much less water to accomplish work than homeowners or hacks who don't have the proper equipment? It looks like we are all on our own to figure out a way to keep our businesses going.

[pressurepls]

Hey Doug ,

Got the idea to call cobb and ask if we could haul water in, A: No

No PW of flat surfaces. Asked to speak to Cobb county water coordinator , left message don't expect reply. I also called WSB TV to let them know that we are here and hurting along with everyone else. Furthermore I have updated my website with drought info and finally I have placed an ad in the local newspaper stating that most counties still allow PW . Beyond that I am open for suggestions for getting the word out .

Todd Gano
Email: pressurepls@comcast.net
Fax: 678-494-1306
Web Page: www.pressurepluspro.com

[JohnW]

Hey Todd,

Thanks for the post. I washed 2 houses in Fayette County in the last 2 weeks with no problems. As far as I know, you're still ok, if you have to wash in Fayette, I believe pressure washers that are licensed are still exempt. I've kept my eyes on The Citizen Front Page | The Citizen Online for news that relates to Fayette. Fayette Marshals are on 24 hour water patrol supposedly, but I didn't see any while I was out. If I had, I was going to double check with them to make sure. Nonetheless, I got plenty of stares from passing motorists. I wanted to do the concrete, but figured that might not be a good idea. Hope that helps.

[squirtgun]

John W,
That is correct unless an individual city makes a ban above and beyond state recommendations.I would still push the issue with your city and show them a print out of this website. Conserve Water Georgia!
I again encourage you guys to write/email the governor and your congressmen.If they force us to shut down we should get the same benefits farmers do.

Check this link as well.
http://www.gaepd.org/Files_PDF/news/...ws_release.pdf
Pages 3 and 4 of this link.
http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/pdf/faq.pdf

Quoted from last link

4. What activities are exempt from following the outdoor water use rule?

The rule recognizes several activities that are exempt from complying with the outdoor

water use schedule and water use restrictions. The following are explicitly exempted
from the statewide outdoor water use rule:

♦

Use of gray water or cooling system condensate (in compliance with local codes)

♦

Use of “reclaimed water” for landscape purposes

♦

Irrigation of food gardens

♦

Irrigation of greens on golf courses

♦

Landscapes newly installed by certified or licensed professionals (only for 30
days)

♦

Other Commercial Exemptions:

��

Irrigation Contractors

��

Sod Producers

��

Growers (ornamentals, fruits and vegetables)

��

Retail Garden Centers
�� Power Washers

We are explicitly exempt according to state guidleines and should be for each municipality we work in regarless of what other outdoor water usage they ban.To date we have yet to be moved to level 4 restrictions and I hope we dont,but in matters of public health water usage is allowed.While a HO's driveway may not fall into that catagory commercial work often does.Dumpster areas etc.

[Doug Dahlke]

I wonder what the logic was in the decision that you can't wash even if you haul water in? The way things are going now its best to call the county water department before heading out on a job just to be sure its alright. I've started to carry my business license and a copy of the state level 4 restrictions that show power washers are exempt just in case.

[squirtgun]

Here is another quote from the last link I posted.It should help you guys in the N.GA. area.

23. I need to wash my car and office building. Can I do this under the outdoor water
use ban?
Under drought response level four, you are only allowed to wash your vehicle at a
commercial car wash. Pressure washing buildings must be done by a pressure washer or
business with a business license to do so.