Georgia Drought Level Requires Precautions

On April 27 the Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) announced that Georgia is in a Level 1 Drought Response. Simply put, it is a warning about current dry conditions and potential water shortages in the future.
EPD is urging residents and businesses to be more mindful of water consumption and recommend taking certain precautions.
EPD recommends the following:
• No mandatory restrictions yet, but public water systems must run conservation awareness campaigns (e.g., ads, bill inserts, social media, library notices) Environmental Protection Division+1.
• Outdoor watering is still allowed between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. and is unaffected by the Level 1 status Environmental Protection Division+1.
Level One is the first step in the ladder for handling the drought.
At Level Two: there would be limits on landscape watering (e.g., two days a week) and bans on certain uses like ornamental fountains or noncommercial pressure washing.
At Level Three, which is the highest level, there would be a temporary ban on all landscape watering.
Drought severity could become an issue and over 98% of Georgia is in “severe,” “extreme,” or “exceptional” drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC).
According to the AJC, rainfall deficits over the past six months range from one-foot to more than 15 inches in some areas.
According to the EPD contributing factors to drought are low precipitation, stream flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels that are below normal soil moisture.
As for now, officials will be monitoring conditions and may escalate to Level 2 if the drought worsens and conservation measures don’t reduce strain on water supplies.
According to CBS News, utilities are urging small changes such as the repairing of leaks, running of full loads in washers and dishwasher, to water plants early, use mulch, and avoid unnecessary outdoor use.
Simply put, Level One gives residents of Georgia a warning to be conservative and keeps the push for restrictions off the table. However, if the state doesn’t received rain, and a good bit of the wet stuff soon the dry conditions could push the Level higher soon.
According to the Georgia Extreme Events website, there was a drought in 1924 that is recorded as being one of the worst droughts in Georgia history. According to the website, the drought lasted three years.
Apparently, the drought affected the Altamaha, Chattahoochee and Coosa River basins to the point that the lack of water had an influence on the industrial and agricultural industries in the state and forced many workers to relocate to find employment.
At the present time, our state is under the worst drought conditions it has seen in 20 years. Residents should be conservative with water use until the drought breaks.
Little things like shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving can save a lot of water. Running water through your faucet can waste one to two gallons per minute. Using an item to catch water while washing your hands can be reused to scrape dishes and other uses around the house.
Limiting shower times and installing a low-flow showerhead will also help to reduce water use.
Check for leaks, even small ones, and repair them immediately.
Catching water inside and rain water outside and reusing it to water plants, flowers and to clean surfaces can also help.
If you water your lawn, it is best to do it early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Any way to conserve water is a good idea at the present time, and even throughout the year if you are on a utility based water system. You could save some money throughout the year by reducing your water usage and not having to pay for the water and the sewer fees.
Let’s all do our part and conserve right now. Doing so will be extremely helpful if the drought continues. Also, let pray for RAIN!