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Drought Conditions Worsen: Level Four Drought Declaration for 60 Counties back |
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In August, many of the state's rivers and streams fell to levels below extreme low flow thresholds, with new record low daily streamflows in 110 years on the Oconee River at Dublin, in 69 years on the Conasauga River at Tilton, in 67 years on the Coosawattee River near Ellijay and in 56 years on the Coosa River near Rome.
The severe drought conditions led Dr. Carol Couch, director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division ( EPD), to convene the State Drought Response Committee on September 28 and to declare a level four drought response across the northern third of Georgia. The level four drought response applies to 60 counties and prohibits most types of outdoor residential water use. The outdoor watering ban still allows certain water uses for landscapers, golf course operators, car washes and other commercial users. However, Dr. Couch warned that the state may have to curb some of those exemptions if the state fails to emerge from the drought next year. The rest of the state remains at a level two drought response that was first declared in April. However the forecast is for a La Nina year, which will bring a dry and mild winter that could result in serious water supply problems by next spring.
Efficient Use of Water is Essential Now is the time for all Georgians representing all sectors of society to share our water resources responsibly and to use water efficiently. You can lend your support for a Statewide Water Plan that includes an aggressive conservation implementation plan by speaking out at the following public hearings Oct. 15- 19 starting at 6:00 pm:
Follow this link for the more details on the EPD Statewide Water Plan public hearing locations: http://www.gadnr.org/gswp/Documents/calendar.html Outdoor water use schedules and conservation tips can be found on these EPD web sites: www.georgiaepd.com and www.conservewatergeorgia.net. Also, detailed information on the drought can be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Press Release: Governor Perdue Orders Utilities, Permit Holders to Reduce Water Use by 10 Percent: EPD to direct permit holders to reduce withdrawals by 10 percent compared to last winter, October 23, 2007. Read the editorial by Ron Carroll on why "Mussels can't be sacrificed for poor water planning" published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on October 18, 2007. |
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Conditions of the ongoing drought are leading many officials to consider this drought one of the worst, if not the worst, in Georgia’s history. The deficit of rainfall in Atlanta and Athens has caused record drought conditions with low lake and reservoir levels and streamflows that are so low that only 2 years on record have been drier than 2007.
