Published: January 16, 2008 01:09 pm      

First-ever water shortage order

Mandatory restrictions begin April 7

Mandatory water restrictions for all water-use categories including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural will become effective April 7 throughout the Suwannee River Water Management District. The District governing board has issued the agency’s first-ever Phase II Water Shortage Order and between now and April 7, District staff will meet with city and county officials to coordinate implementation and enforcement guidelines. They also will meet with commercial and industrial interests to explain the order and to solicit input, as they did with agricultural producers in late December.

The unprecedented action was taken in response to extremely low groundwater levels experienced throughout the 15-county region during the current drought, coupled with predictions that the drought will intensify over the next several months.

“Even before the mandatory restrictions go into effect, we urge all citizens to continue to voluntarily conserve water,” said David Still, District deputy executive director.

Established lawns and landscaping may be watered between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Street addresses ending in even numbers may water only on even numbered days. Street addresses ending in odd numbers may water only on odd numbered days. Hand watering and irrigation with treated wastewater shall not be restricted.

The District is suffering its eighth-driest 24-month period since 1932, with a rainfall deficit of 28.7 inches. Forty-nine wells set new December lows and 17 wells set new historic lows. Twenty-three emergency permits for dry wells were issued in December, for a total of 157 issued between April 1 and Dec. 31.

Although recent heavy rains in Georgia have led to slight increases in some local river levels, several are still near or below their historic lows.

A copy of the Phase II Water Shortage Order, as well as water conservation and landscaping tips, are available at www.mysuwanneeriver.com.