Natural Disasters
GeorgiaDrought.org
Volatile weather month smacks Georgia
May 6, 2009 - April hit Georgia with almost every weather punch, including floods, hail, high winds, tornadoes and even two earthquakes.
Lanier and Hartwell basins improve to mild drought
May 5, 2009 - Thanks to generous rains, Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell basins have improved to mild drought. The basins were previously in moderate drought.
Georgia drought free except Lanier, Hartwell basins
April 3, 2009 - All of Georgia except the Lanier and Hartwell basins are now out of drought. Several days of heavy rain across the southern two-thirds of the state have alleviated the remaining drought conditions in south Georgia.
Statewide Outdoor Water Use Schedules
Citing historic drought, Georgia EPD continues to ban most outdoor water use in North Georgia.
- Environmental Protection Division Drought & Water Use Information (Updated March 2009)
- Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources - News Release (March 3, 2009)
- Environmental Protection Division Map-5/12/2008 (pdf)
- News release - May 6, 2008 (pdf)
- News release - September 28, 2007 (pdf)
- Georgia Counties Under State Drought Response Level Four (pdf)
- Map of Drought Response Level 4 and Level 2 (pdf)
Level 2 Outdoor Water-Use Schedule:
- Odd-numbered addresses may water only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (during allowable hours).
- Even-numbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (during allowable hours).
- Use of hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting, public health, safety or flushing is prohibited.
- Washing hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks and driveways except when necessary for public health and safety is prohibited.
Allowable Hours: Outdoor watering is allowed only from midnight to 10 a.m. It's prohibited all day on Fridays.
Level 4 Outdoor Water-Use Schedule:
Declared Drought Response Level Four – No outdoor water use is allowed, other than for activities exempted in 391-3-30-.05, or as the EPD Director may order.
It is important to check with your local water authority for additional restrictions. Local water authorities have the power to add restrictions beyond those mandated by the state.
