The council’s Utilities Committee voted to remove all criminal penalties for breaking watering bans that are imposed to conserve water during droughts. State law lets ?EUR??,,????'??+ but doesn’t require ?EUR??,,????'??+ local governments to impose penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

The proposed ordinance provides a sliding scale of administrative penalties for violators of the outdoor watering ban. First-timers will get a written notice. Subsequent offenses will result in fines starting at $250 for the second violation, $500 for the third violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations. Water service can be cut off if the fines are not paid.

Rob Hunter, commissioner of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management, said the ban is working and the city can meet the demand for water. He said big outdoor users, such as the city’s parks department, may be shifted to a Monday and Friday watering schedule to better manage the water system.

Source: ajc.com