Overview
- The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which activated a Level 1 drought response Monday, is requiring all public water systems to launch conservation messaging.
- Outdoor watering remains allowed from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m., with any tighter local rules permitted only through a state variance.
- Despite rain this week that could reach 2 to 3 inches, the U.S. Drought Monitor still places more than 98% of Georgia in severe to exceptional drought.
- Southern Georgia wildfires have burned about 55,000 acres in Clinch and Brantley counties, and 91 counties remain under a burn ban.
- The USDA added 20 more primary disaster counties for drought, bringing 146 eligible for Farm Service Agency loans and related assistance.