Worsening drought conditions throughout most of the state including LaGrange and Troup County have prompted a Level 1 Drought Response declaration from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), according to a press release from the City of LaGrange.  This means public water utilities in 103 counties will be encouraging the public to conserve water. The outdoor water use schedule required under the Water Stewardship Act of 2010 remains in place.  It limits outdoor water use year-round to the hours between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.  

According to the federal government’s U.S.  drought Monitor, droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?GA the drought has affected the entire state with conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought.    As a result, most of the counties in Georgia must follow the Level 1 Drought Response requirements.

“This serves as a reminder for all Georgians to use water wisely,” said EPD Director Richard Dunn in the press release.  “It also gives public water systems an opportunity to educate their customers on the importance of water conservation.”

For more information on EPD’s actions regarding the drought go to epd.georgia.gov/about-us/watershed-protection-branch/drought-management.