Even with the recent rain, an ongoing drought in Georgia has caused the state to restrict outdoor water use, and local authorities say that they will have to enforce the evenodd watering restrictions here in Washington.

"We'll give one warning," said Washington Police Chief Mike Davis, "then issue a citation if there's second time. We don't have much choice in it - it's a state mandate, and we're told to enforce it."

The director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a level-one drought across the state and will require all Georgians to follow a more stringent outdoor water use schedule. "We have studied conditions around the state and our findings show that drought conditions exist throughout Georgia," said EPD Director Carol A. Couch. "It's important that citizens conserve water now to help ensure there is a sufficient water supply in the coming months."

The drought declaration places hourly limits on the outdoor water use schedules already in effect. The new outdoor watering schedules statewide are as follows: Odd-numbered addresses may

water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 12 midnight to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 midnight to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 12 midnight.

No one may water on Friday.

The drought declaration was made following a meeting last week of the State Drought Response Committee. The Committee includes representatives from several state, federal and local agencies, as well as universities and non-government organizations. The EPD Director, working with State Climatologist David Stooksbury, consults with the Committee members and then determines whether a drought declaration is appropriate.

"We monitor stream flows, lake levels, precipitation, groundwater levels, and other climatic indicators," said Stooksbury. "It's clear that conditions have worsened over most of the state during the past several weeks."

A level one drought is the least severe level of drought, however EPD will continue to monitor conditions statewide and issue revised drought declarations as necessary.