Savannah GA Water Restrictions 2026

Current water restrictions in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is under Year-Round + Level 1 Drought restrictions, limiting outdoor watering to any day of the week but only between 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM — a permanent baseline tightened further by a statewide drought emergency.

The year-round watering window is established by Georgia's Water Stewardship Act, which sets a statewide floor requiring all outdoor irrigation to occur during cooler hours regardless of drought conditions. City of Savannah Water enforces this baseline locally. The prohibited midday window — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — exists to reduce evaporation losses during peak heat hours along the Georgia coast.

On top of that permanent baseline, Georgia EPD declared a statewide Level 1 Drought Response on April 27, 2026, affecting all 159 Georgia counties. As of that declaration, approximately 98% of the state was experiencing drought conditions, coinciding with hundreds of active wildfires in southern Georgia — conditions not seen at this scale since 2007. Level 1 Drought adds mandatory outdoor watering restrictions that align with and reinforce the Water Stewardship Act rules already in place.

Savannah's coastal location means St. Augustine grass — one of the most common turf grasses in the area — is particularly vulnerable right now. St. Augustine is less drought-tolerant than Bermuda or Zoysia and shows stress and dieback faster during restricted watering periods, which is a practical concern for most residential lawns in Chatham County.

Practically speaking: a resident who wants to water their garden on a Wednesday morning can do so, but only if they finish before 10:00 AM. Running sprinklers at 11:00 AM on any day — Wednesday, Sunday, or otherwise — is a violation. There are no day-of-week restrictions; the sole restriction is the time window. Watering at 9:45 AM is legal. Watering at 10:15 AM is not.

Watering schedule and allowed days

Rule	Details
Days per week	7 — no day-of-week restrictions
Day assignment	Any day — hours restricted, not days
Allowed hours	4:00 PM – 10:00 AM only, year-round
Prohibited window	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Hand watering	Exempt; shut-off nozzle required on hose
Drip irrigation	Exempt from time restrictions
New sod/seed	30-day establishment window — register with City of Savannah Water before installation

Unlike many Georgia municipalities that assign odd/even watering days based on street address, Savannah's current restrictions do not limit the days you may water — only the hours. This means a homeowner at any address on any street in the city can run their irrigation system seven days a week, provided all watering stops by 10:00 AM and does not resume before 4:00 PM. The simplicity of the rule is intentional: the Water Stewardship Act was written to reduce peak-hour evaporation without imposing scheduling complexity on the public.

Commercial and multi-family properties in Savannah follow the same time-based rule. Large irrigation systems on apartment complexes, commercial landscaping, and municipal parks must also observe the 10:00 AM–4:00 PM prohibition. Properties with automated irrigation systems should verify that their controllers are programmed correctly — a timer set to run a second cycle at 10:30 AM is still a violation, even if the first cycle was compliant.

New sod and seeded areas are the most common reason residents seek an exemption from the standard schedule. Newly installed turf requires more frequent watering to establish root systems, and City of Savannah Water has historically allowed a temporary exception for this purpose. Contact City of Savannah Water before laying sod to register the establishment window — watering outside the standard hours without prior registration is not automatically protected.

Savannah's urban tree canopy includes water-demanding species that merit priority attention during drought: Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana), which dominates the historic district streetscape, bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) in low-lying and riparian areas throughout Chatham County, and sabal palm (Sabal palmetto), Georgia's coastal state tree. Established live oaks can survive on reduced irrigation, but young specimens planted within the past two years benefit from deep, slow watering during the permitted evening and early morning hours.

What happens if you violate restrictions in Savannah?

Offense	Penalty
First offense	Written warning — no fine
Second offense	$100–$500
Repeat/subsequent	Escalating fines up to $500 per violation

City of Savannah Water enforces outdoor watering rules through a combination of field patrols and neighbor complaints. During drought periods, the city increases the frequency of drive-through inspections in residential neighborhoods, particularly during the prohibited midday window of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Residents can also report violations by contacting the city directly. Because Georgia EPD's Level 1 Drought declaration carries statewide mandatory weight, local enforcement agencies have clear authority to act on complaints without needing to verify broader drought status.

If you receive a first-offense written warning, it does not carry a monetary penalty but does create a record. A second confirmed violation at the same address within the same year typically results in a fine in the $100–$500 range, with the exact amount depending on the severity and duration of the violation. If you believe a citation was issued in error — for example, your irrigation system malfunctioned and activated unexpectedly — City of Savannah Water has an administrative review process. Contacting them promptly with documentation of the malfunction and any repair invoices is the most effective approach to contesting a citation.

Other outdoor water rules

Beyond lawn irrigation, several other outdoor water uses are regulated in Savannah under the Water Stewardship Act and Level 1 Drought conditions. Given Savannah's climate and culture — including tourism, historic preservation pressure washing, and residential pools — these rules affect a wide range of property owners.

• Car washing: Washing vehicles at a residence must use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Commercial car washes with water recirculation systems are generally exempt. Letting a hose run unattended to rinse a vehicle is a violation.
• Pressure washing: Pressure washing of impervious surfaces (driveways, sidewalks, patios) is prohibited unless necessary for safety, preparation for painting, or other permitted purposes. The historic district generates significant pressure-washing activity; commercial operators should confirm compliance with current restrictions before scheduling.
• Swimming pool filling: Filling a new pool requires a permit and is subject to restrictions during Level 1 Drought. Topping off an existing pool to replace evaporation loss is generally permitted but should not exceed the minimum necessary level.
• Decorative fountains: Fountains and water features must be equipped with recirculating pump systems. Single-pass ornamental water features that discharge to drain are prohibited under Level 1 restrictions.
• Construction water use: Dust suppression and construction site water use must be minimized; contractors operating in Chatham County under City permits are expected to comply with the same drought response rules.
• Restaurant outdoor water features: Commercial properties with outdoor dining areas containing water features or misters are subject to the same recirculation and efficiency requirements.

Water source and infrastructure

Savannah's drinking water supply comes primarily from the Floridan Aquifer System, one of the most productive aquifer systems in the southeastern United States. The Upper Floridan Aquifer underlies Chatham County at significant depth, and the City of Savannah draws from this groundwater source through a network of production wells. The Floridan Aquifer is a confined limestone formation that recharges slowly — primarily from rainfall percolating through recharge zones in central and northern Georgia and Florida — which makes it vulnerable to long-term overdraft during extended drought periods.

The City of Savannah operates the Abercorn Creek Water Treatment Plant, which also draws from surface water in the Savannah area to supplement groundwater supply. The Savannah River, which forms the Georgia–South Carolina border just north of the city, is a regionally significant waterway managed jointly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Savannah District. Water levels and flow in the Savannah River affect both water availability and water quality for treatment operations downstream.

Chatham County and the City of Savannah have historically relied more heavily on groundwater than inland Georgia cities, which is a structural difference from metro Atlanta's surface-water-dominated system. However, the Floridan Aquifer's water levels can decline measurably during prolonged drought and high-demand periods. Georgia EPD monitors aquifer levels across the coastal plain as part of its drought response program, and Savannah's position near the coast also creates saltwater intrusion risk — if aquifer pressure drops too low, brackish water can migrate into production wells, a concern that gives the city additional incentive to enforce conservation measures aggressively during drought.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, oversees water withdrawal permitting statewide and coordinates the drought response program that triggered the current Level 1 declaration.

Brown lawn protections in Georgia

Georgia law protects homeowners from HOA enforcement actions that would require them to violate mandatory watering restrictions. OCGA § 44-3-232 addresses this directly: a homeowner association may not enforce any rule, covenant, or deed restriction that would require a property owner to violate applicable water use restrictions imposed by the state or local government. During the current Level 1 Drought and year-round Water Stewardship Act restrictions, this means your HOA cannot legally fine you or threaten legal action because your lawn has turned brown or gone dormant due to restricted watering.

This protection is meaningful in Savannah's many planned communities and historic district HOAs, where landscape appearance standards can be strictly enforced. If your HOA sends a notice demanding you restore green grass or increase irrigation frequency during a declared drought response, cite OCGA § 44-3-232 explicitly in your written response. Keep a copy of any HOA communications and your reply for your records.

Below is a template response you can adapt:

"Dear [HOA Board or Property Manager]: I am writing in response to your notice dated [date] regarding the appearance of my lawn at [address]. I am currently complying with mandatory outdoor water use restrictions enforced by City of Savannah Water under the Georgia Water Stewardship Act and Georgia EPD's Level 1 Drought Response, declared April 27, 2026. Under OCGA § 44-3-232, no HOA rule or covenant may require me to violate these mandatory state and local water use restrictions. The dormant condition of my lawn is a direct result of lawful compliance with these restrictions. I respectfully request that this notice be rescinded and that no further enforcement action be taken. Please contact City of Savannah Water or Georgia EPD to confirm the current restriction status."

Lawn care during restrictions

Grass Type	Drought Tolerance	Dormancy Risk	Recommended Action
St. Augustine	Low	High — browns quickly	Water deeply during allowed window; avoid stress
Bermuda	High	Low — goes dormant, recovers well	Allow dormancy; reduce watering frequency
Zoysia	Moderate–High	Moderate — slow to show stress	Reduce frequency; water in early morning window
Centipede	Moderate	Moderate — sensitive to overwatering too	Water infrequently but deeply; avoid daily cycles

Savannah's combination of high humidity, sandy coastal plain soils, and intense summer heat creates specific lawn care challenges during restrictions. Sandy soils in Chatham County drain quickly, which means water applied during the allowed evening or early morning window may not stay in the root zone long enough for shallow-rooted St. Augustine to fully benefit. Aerating compacted areas and top-dressing with compost can improve water retention without adding irrigation. Raising your mower deck to leave St. Augustine at 3.5 to 4 inches provides critical shade to the soil surface, reducing moisture loss between allowed watering periods.

Savannah's humidity also creates a persistent risk of brown patch fungal disease (Rhizoctonia solani), which thrives when turf stays wet overnight — exactly the condition created by late-evening irrigation before the 4:00 PM–10:00 AM window opens. Where possible, time irrigation to begin in the early morning hours (4:00–7:00 AM) rather than at dusk, giving leaf blades time to dry before nightfall. Bermuda and Zoysia lawns that have gone dormant under current restrictions should not be pushed back to green growth with heavy fertilization — dormancy is a survival mechanism, and forcing growth with nitrogen during a drought stresses root systems further.

Common questions about Savannah water restrictions

What time can I run my sprinkler system in Savannah right now?

You may run your irrigation system any day of the week, but only during the hours of 4:00 PM to 10:00 AM. The prohibited window is 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week, year-round. This is not a temporary drought measure — it is the permanent baseline under Georgia's Water Stewardship Act, currently reinforced by the Level 1 Drought Response declared April 27, 2026. A sprinkler running at 10:05 AM is a violation regardless of what day it is.

Can I water my lawn on any day of the week in Savannah?

Yes. Savannah does not use odd/even address-based day restrictions. You may water on Monday, Thursday, Sunday, or any other day — the only restriction is the time window. This differs from some other Georgia cities that have imposed day-of-week limits during the current drought, so if you've read conflicting information, confirm that you're reading Savannah-specific guidance from City of Savannah Water rather than a general Georgia EPD summary.

What happens if I get caught watering during the restricted hours?

Your first confirmed violation results in a written warning with no monetary fine. A second violation at the same property carries a fine between $100 and $500. Subsequent violations continue to escalate. If your irrigation controller malfunctioned and triggered watering during the prohibited window without your knowledge, contact City of Savannah Water promptly, document the malfunction, and retain any repair records — this is your strongest basis for contesting a citation through their administrative review process.

My HOA is threatening to fine me for a brown lawn. What do I do?

Cite OCGA § 44-3-232 in writing to your HOA. This Georgia statute explicitly prohibits HOA enforcement of landscape appearance rules that would require a homeowner to violate mandatory state or local water restrictions. During the current Level 1 Drought and the year-round Water Stewardship Act restrictions, your HOA has no legal authority to fine you for a dormant or browning lawn that results from lawful compliance with watering limits. Use the template letter in the HOA section above.

Is drip irrigation exempt from the time restrictions in Savannah?

Yes. Drip irrigation and soaker hose systems are exempt from the 10:00 AM–4:00 PM prohibited window under the Water Stewardship Act. These systems deliver water directly to root zones with minimal evaporation loss, which is why they're excluded from the time restriction. If you have vegetable beds, foundation plantings, or newly established trees in your Savannah yard, converting them to drip irrigation gives you full scheduling flexibility while also improving water efficiency.

Can I wash my car at home during the current restrictions?

Yes, with conditions. You may wash your vehicle at home using a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Letting a hose run continuously without a shut-off nozzle is prohibited under both the Water Stewardship Act baseline and Level 1 Drought rules. Commercial car washes that recirculate wash water are generally exempt from residential restrictions and may be a more water-efficient choice during the current drought period.

Does the current drought affect my ability to fill a new swimming pool in Savannah?

Yes. Filling a new pool during a declared drought response requires coordination with City of Savannah Water and may require a permit. Topping off an existing pool to replace normal evaporation — which is significant in Savannah's summer heat — is generally permitted but should be done minimally. Single-pass ornamental fountains or water features that discharge to drain rather than recirculate are prohibited under Level 1 restrictions. If you're planning new pool construction, confirm current permitting requirements directly with City of Savannah Water before scheduling a fill.

How serious is the current drought for the Floridan Aquifer that supplies Savannah?

Georgia EPD describes the current conditions as the worst statewide drought since 2007, with approximately 98% of the state under drought designation as of the April 27, 2026 declaration. For Savannah specifically, the concern is not just reduced recharge to the Floridan Aquifer but also the risk of saltwater intrusion — when aquifer pressure drops due to heavy withdrawal and reduced recharge, brackish coastal water can migrate toward production wells. This makes Savannah's situation structurally different from inland Georgia cities, and it's a core reason why City of Savannah Water enforces the Water Stewardship Act restrictions consistently even outside declared drought periods.

What days can I water my lawn in Savannah?

Any day -- hours restricted Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is typically allowed any day during permitted hours.

What time can I water in Savannah?

Watering is allowed 4pm-10am only year-round. Watering outside these hours is a violation even on your assigned day.

What are the fines for watering violations in Savannah?

First offense: Warning first. Repeat violations: $100-$500. Contact City of Savannah Water for the full enforcement schedule.

When will water restrictions end in Savannah?

Current Year-Round + Level 1 Drought restrictions are in effect through Permanent. Monitor City of Savannah Water for the latest status.

Can I hand water during Savannah 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 City of Savannah Water.

How do I report a water waste violation in Savannah?

Contact City of Savannah Water. Most utilities accept online reports and respond within 48 hours.