ATLANTA -- North Georgia residents can start hand-watering lawns and shrubbery and filling swimming pools.

The director of the Environmental Protection Division said yesterday that exemptions to water restrictions imposed because of the drought go into effect immediately in 61 counties.

But EPD director Carol Couch said the exemptions must be approved by a local water provider, such as a local government or water utility. Many utilities have already said additional watering would prevent them from meeting the governor's mandated 10 percent reduction in water use.

Hand watering -- one person with one garden hose -- must be done between midnight and 10 a.m. on designated days based on odd-numbered and even-numbered addresses for no more than 25 minutes.

A ten percent reduction in water consumption ordered by Governor Perdue last year must still be achieved under the exemptions. Coach said that starting April 1st, monthly water use in the 61-county drought area will be compared to last year's April-September use to ensure the conservation goals are met.

Couch also said those who successfully complete an Outdoor Water Use Registration Program can water newly installed landscape up to three days a week following the odd-even schedule for a period of ten weeks. That program will be available online at www.urbanagcouncil.com beginning March 15th.