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Level 2 drought brings outdoor water restrictions The director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the State of Georgia has declared a level two drought response across the state and will require all Georgians to follow a more stringent outdoor water use schedule. "Every area of Georgia has been in a persistent and progressive drought condition since last June," said EPD Director Carol A. Couch. "It's important that we take steps now to prepare for the warm, typically dry summer months." 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 response declaration is appropriate. "March was very dry, and it is historically a very wet month in Georgia," said State Climatologist Stooksbury. "That's one of the reasons we're in trouble now." The level two drought was declared for all of Georgia. EPD Director Couch said drought conditions will continue to be monitored and she will confer with the Drought Response Committee again in a month. Revised drought response declarations will be issued as necessary. A level two drought response declaration limits outdoor water use to mornings only. 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. .. Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, 12 midnight to 10 a.m. The level two outdoor watering schedule replaces the level one drought schedule, which has been in place for the past year. The level one drought schedule was as follows: .. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 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, 12 midnight to 10 a.m.; and 4 p.m. to 12 midnight.
The level two outdoor watering schedules are effective immediately. Local governments and water utilities may impose more stringent watering schedules. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local water providers for more specific guidance.
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