Drought Status

As of March 8, 2018, Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has lifted the Level 1 Drought Response for all affected counties in Georgia. Previously, nine counties within the Metropolitan North Georgia Planning District were subject to Level 1 drought response.

The move follows a relatively wet fall and winter. The wet weather, along with regional conservation efforts helped the lake recover. Over the course of 4 weeks in February and March, the lake rose approximately 4 feet.

Conservation and efficiency are still critical to protecting Metro Atlanta’s water supply. Georgia EPD and the Metro Water District encourage continued water conservation and water-saving habits and actions.

Georgians are still required to follow watering restrictions for non-drought outdoor water use as outlined in the Water Stewardship Act of 2010. This law allows all types of outdoor water use, but landscape watering only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily to limit evaporation during the warmest part of the day.

We encourage citizens in the Metro Water District to visit My Drop Counts to learn more about how to conserve water and become more water efficient.

Water Conservation Tips

Check for and repair leaks inside and outside the home

Shorten showers and turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth

Fill dishwashers and washing machines. Make sure there is a full load every time

Replace older toilets with high-efficiency models. If your home was built before 1994, you may qualify for a toilet rebate

Choose efficient appliances. Look for EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled products when shopping for new appliances and fixtures

Scrape dishes before washing them. Avoid using the garbage disposal. It wastes a lot of water and can contribute to pipe clogs.

Find more conservation tips at My Drop Counts.