Marietta GA Water Restrictions 2026

Current water restrictions in Marietta, Georgia

Marietta is operating under Drought Response Level 1 declared by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) on April 27, 2026, layered on top of the permanent year-round restrictions imposed by the Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010. Outdoor irrigation is allowed only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., every day, year-round.

Marietta is the Cobb County seat and one of metro Atlanta's most historically significant suburbs. The city's water-management profile has one notable feature: Marietta has one of the most clearly published water-waste penalty structures in Georgia. Where most Georgia cities use vague "escalating fines" language, Marietta publishes specific penalty amounts and an explicit service-disconnection threshold:

• First violation: a written warning, logged against the customer account.
• Second violation: $100 civil penalty.
• Third violation: $500 civil penalty.
• Fourth and subsequent violations: water service discontinuation.

The published structure makes Marietta's enforcement framework unusually transparent and predictable, and the service-disconnection threshold is a meaningful escalation tool that not every Georgia city uses.

Water in the Cobb County–Marietta area is supplied by the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA), one of the largest water-treatment systems in Georgia. CCMWA draws from two surface-water sources: the Chattahoochee River and Lake Allatoona. The dual-source supply gives CCMWA more resilience than utilities dependent on a single source.

Marietta also has institutional water demand from Dobbins Air Reserve Base on the south side of the city and Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility (the F-35 production complex) adjacent to the base. Both are major employers with substantial operational water demand.

Marietta Square is one of Georgia's most-visited historic downtowns and the city's tourism anchor.

Watering schedule and allowed hours

Hand watering with a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle is permitted any time. Drip and microirrigation for non-turf plantings are typically permitted outside the closed midday window.

• Dobbins Air Reserve Base: federal installation; coordinates with city during drought.
• Lockheed Martin Marietta facility: commercial industrial facility; landscape irrigation under Water Stewardship Act window.
• Marietta Square historic district: commercial irrigation under same window.
• New sod and seed: establishment exemptions through CCMWA.

Fines, penalties, and water service disconnection

Marietta's published penalty structure:

• First violation: a written warning, logged against the customer account.
• Second violation: $100 civil penalty.
• Third violation: $500 civil penalty.
• Fourth and subsequent violations: water service discontinuation. Service can be terminated until the violation is corrected and any outstanding penalties paid.

The service-disconnection threshold is not theoretical — Marietta has used it. The progression from warning to $100 to $500 to disconnection gives the utility clear escalation steps. To report a violation, call CCMWA at 770-794-5150. Reports do not require the reporter to be identified.

Other outdoor water rules

• Watering during measurable rain: prohibited. Rain sensors required.
• Excessive runoff: water sheeting onto streets, sidewalks, or storm drains is a violation regardless of time.
• Pressure washing: permitted only for paint, sealant, repair, or required for health and safety.
• Decorative fountains: must recirculate or be drained.

Where Marietta's water comes from — Chattahoochee + Allatoona

The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) operates a dual-source water system:

• Chattahoochee River. CCMWA draws from the Chattahoochee at intakes upstream of Atlanta. The supply is part of the broader metro Atlanta Chattahoochee withdrawal pattern that includes the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Resources Commission and other utilities.
• Lake Allatoona. Lake Allatoona is the federally operated reservoir on the Etowah River north of Marietta, in the Coosa River basin (the western, Alabama-bound watershed system rather than the eastern Chattahoochee-bound system). CCMWA draws from Allatoona to diversify its supply.

The dual-source design gives Cobb County customers significantly more drought resilience than utilities dependent on a single source. When one source is constrained, CCMWA can shift more demand to the other. The Coosa basin (Lake Allatoona) and Chattahoochee basin (the river) have somewhat different rainfall and runoff patterns, providing independent risk pools.

Lake Allatoona is the federally operated reservoir at the northern edge of metro Atlanta. It serves multiple purposes: flood control, hydropower generation, recreation, and water supply. The lake's level is monitored continuously; CCMWA's withdrawal rights and operational schedule are governed by federal allocation rules.

The Coosa River basin — feeding from the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers, anchored by Lake Allatoona, and flowing into Alabama — is one of three major watersheds that drain Georgia (the other two being the ACF system in west and southwest Georgia, and the Savannah/Ogeechee/Altamaha/Satilla systems in east and south Georgia). Water-management decisions in the Coosa basin involve interstate considerations with Alabama, similar to but separate from the ACF dispute.

HOA rules during water restrictions

OCGA § 44-3-235 prohibits HOAs from enforcing rules that conflict with state law. Marietta's HOA-governed neighborhoods cannot legally require watering during the 10 a.m.–4 p.m. closed window or penalize drought-dormant lawns.

Sample HOA response:

"Dear [HOA Board], the Georgia Water Stewardship Act and EPD Drought Response Level 1 restrict outdoor irrigation to 4 p.m.–10 a.m. year-round. Under OCGA § 44-3-235, the Association may not enforce rules that conflict with state law. Please withdraw the violation. Sincerely, [Your name]"

Lawn care during Level 1

Marietta lies in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. Common turf options:

Mow on the high end. Bermuda and Tall Fescue retain moisture better at higher mow heights.

Skip summer fertilizer. Fertilizer pushes growth the limited evening irrigation cannot support.

Mulch beds heavily. Pine straw is widely available and effective.

Brown is not dead. Bermuda is built for dormancy and recovers reliably with rainfall.

Frequently asked questions

Can my water be shut off for watering violations?

Yes. Marietta's published penalty structure includes water service discontinuation after the fourth violation. The progression is: warning → $100 → $500 → service disconnection. Service can be terminated until the violation is corrected and any outstanding penalties paid. The disconnection threshold is not theoretical — it has been used in past drought enforcement.

What time can I water in Marietta?

Only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.

Why does Marietta have such a clearly published fine schedule?

Marietta and CCMWA emphasize transparent enforcement so customers know exactly what penalties apply. The published $100/$500/disconnection escalation lets the city issue citations consistently and lets customers anticipate the consequences of repeat violations. Other Georgia cities use similar progressions but don't always publish the specific dollar amounts.

What's special about CCMWA's dual-source supply?

The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority draws from two independent sources: the Chattahoochee River and Lake Allatoona. Most Georgia utilities depend on a single source. The dual-source design gives Cobb County customers significantly more drought resilience because the two sources are in different watersheds (Chattahoochee/ACF basin vs. Etowah/Coosa basin) with somewhat different rainfall and runoff patterns.

Does Dobbins Air Reserve Base follow the rules?

Dobbins is a federal installation that operates under federal jurisdiction. Base housing typically follows local restrictions voluntarily, and the base coordinates with Cobb County during drought.

What about Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility?

Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility is a commercial industrial site, subject to the Water Stewardship Act 4 p.m.–10 a.m. window for landscape irrigation. Industrial process water is governed by separate state rules.

How long will Level 1 last?

Until EPD rescinds. The 4 p.m.–10 a.m. permanent rule does not lift.

What days can I water my lawn in Marietta?

Any day — 4pm-10am only Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is typically allowed any day during permitted hours.

When will water restrictions end in Marietta?

Current Level 1 Drought Response + Year-Round Water Stewardship Act restrictions are in effect through Permanent + Level 1 until EPD rescinds. Monitor https://www.mariettaga.gov/504/Water-Restrictions for the latest status.

Can I hand water during Marietta water restrictions?

Yes. Hand watering with a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle is generally allowed on any day during permitted hours. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are also typically exempt from the day-of-week schedule. Confirm specifics with Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA).

How do I report a water waste violation in Marietta?

Contact Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) at 770-794-5150 or visit https://www.mariettaga.gov/504/Water-Restrictions. Most utilities accept online reports and respond within 48 hours.