Hot Topics

Water and Drought

Water and the many issues and concerns that surround it continue to swirl in political, agricultural and economic circles. When drought conditions hit, the value of water becomes even more urgently evident.

The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences looks at the many prisms of water in all of its programs of teaching, research and Cooperative Extension. Scientists measure it, predict it, protect it and study it. County Extension agents educate farmers, homeowners, 4-H'ers, community leaders and businesses through workshops, activities and projects. Professors put students to work learning all they can about this irreplaceable resource.

Impact Statements

Review these reports on water and drought issues from CAES faculty in research, teaching and Extension. For more reports, visit the searchable database.

2007 Reports

2006 Reports

Georgia FACES Articles

Here's just a sample of water and drought issues in the news generated by the college. For the latest news, visit Georgia FACES.

Volatile spring weather whips Georgia crops
April 23, 2009 — Torrential rains have flooded fields and freezing temperatures have shocked plants, turning spring into a roller-coaster weather ride for Georgia farmers.
Rainwater finds new use as toilet water
April 23, 2009 — "Most of our water demand could be supplied by harvested rainwater," said Frank Henning, a former watershed agent with UGA Cooperative Extension. "It would be a win-win-win development. Rainwater harvesting can improve water conservation, reduce storm water problems and reduce the need to construct expensive reservoirs."
Plant doctors identify diseases
April 23, 2009 — Mother Nature has blessed Georgia with an abundance of rain over the past month, leaving most areas drought-free. But all that moisture mixed with warm spring temperatures creates a perfect environment for landscape
diseases.
Nuclear fingerprint helps identify pollution source
July 26, 2007 —When it storms, sediment spills into the North Fork Broad River. It has hurt the river for decades. Scientists want to know the source of the sediment so it can be controlled. The remains from nuclear fallout can help them do it.
Rain gardens offer way to clean storm water
July 26, 2007 — From motor oil to bird droppings, pollutants have to go somewhere when it rains. Usually it's a quick trip to a nearby stream, river or lake. But it doesn't have to be.
Drought prompts UGA to boost irrigation programs
July 19, 2007 — This year's extreme, extended drought added an exclamation point on the decades-long issue of water supply and use in Georgia. Despite recent, light rains, there's no end in sight. UGA experts are stepping up efforts to help Georgians cope.
Succulents overcome summer, winter, water stresses
July 13, 2007 —The summer heat and water restrictions seem to make us wilt right along with our plants. We wish we'd planted more heat- and drought-tolerant plants. Fortunately, you can find these traits and more among the succulent plants.
Classes focus on choices, options
June 28, 2007 — Georgia's extreme drought has devastated pastures, and hay supplies are all but gone. Cattlemen are struggling to feed their herds. University of Georgia experts are working to educate them on how to weather the situation better.
UGA helping update farm irrigation contact info
March 15, 2007 — The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission needs updated contact information for farmers who use irrigation in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee watershed in south-central Georgia.
How will global warming affect people in Georgia?
Dec. 6, 2006 — What does global warming mean to you? State climatologist David Stooksbury, an atmospheric sciences professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, answers questions on climate change in Georgia.