Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has imposed Level 2 drought response measures for most of north Georgia, including metro Atlanta, meaning residents will face harsh water restrictions.
Parts of the metro area have gone more than a month without measurable rainfall, and 52.4 percent of the state is under an extreme or exceptional drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 8.3 million Georgians are living in drought conditions.
Under the water restrictions imposed Thursday, outdoor landscape watering is allowed on an odd-even basis. Odd addresses may water yards and gardens on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Even numbered addresses may water the same hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Some forms of outdoor watering are not allowed at all in the impacted area. The following are banned: washing hard surfaces, ornamental watering, such as fountains, use of fire hydrants for purposes other than fighting fires, non-commercial pressure washing and car washing and fund-raising car washes.
“During this prolonged period of severe drought in Georgia, we are bolstering the state’s drought response in more than 100 counties,” Deal said. “I would like to remind Georgians that there are specific guidelines and prohibitions to follow during a Level 1 and Level 2 drought response. We urge these communities to act accordingly, use good judgment and avoid outdoor burning and watering while we continue to work with the EPD and pray for rain across the state.”
Northwest Georgia has been under drought conditions for 24 consecutive weeks. Atlanta has been in drought for 22 weeks, and northeast Georgia for 21 weeks.
The impact is not limited to the metro area. Deal placed 58 counties, mostly south of Atlanta, in Level 1 drought conditions.
State Environmental Protection Division leaders warned the drought is likely to worsen.
“Today’s declaration is driven by an extended period of little or no rain and increasing dryness in the impacted areas,” EPD Director Richard Dunn said. “What’s more, there is little hope for relief as weather forecasters expect an unusually warm, dry winter across most of the state.”
