Understanding Drought

Drought Status – The State of Georgia Declares a Level 1 Drought 4/27/2026

On April 27, 2026, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Director declared a state-wide Drought Response Level 1 for public water systems using surface water and/or groundwater.  Under this declaration, public water systems must implement a public information campaign designed to help citizens better understand drought, its impact on water supplies, and the need for water conservation.  Outdoor water use between the hours of 4 PM and 10 A.M. is still allowable and unaffected by a Drought Response Level 1.  Please see the press release issued by EPD, as well as the information available on EPD’s Drought Management webpage, for more details.

A map of Georgia showing drought intensity levels as of April 21, 2026, with areas marked from abnormally dry (yellow) to exceptional drought (dark red).

In the face of drought conditions, practicing effective water conservation becomes paramount to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and ensure the responsible and sustainable use of this vital resource.

Being a good steward of our water resources is easy if you follow these basic steps:

  1. Regularly check for and repair leaks inside and outside your home.
  2. Don’t leave the tap running when shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing your face.
  3. Water your landscaping only when it is absolutely necessary.
  4. Adjust your sprinklers correctly so that they water the landscaping and not the driveway, sidewalk, or house.

Current version of the US Drought Monitor Map

Water, Use it Wisely

Website: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com

Illustration of a sprinkler controller with a dial and switches, and a lawn sprinkler. Text reads: "Water Outdoors Only As Needed.
Illustration of a sprinkler controller with a dial and switches, and a lawn sprinkler. Text reads: “Water Outdoors Only As Needed.
Illustration of plants and mulch with text "Conserve and protect water with landscaping." Below, text states mulch retains moisture and native plants need less watering.
Illustration of plants and mulch with text “Conserve and protect water with landscaping.” Below, text states mulch retains moisture and native plants need less watering.
An infographic saying “It’s Dry Out There!” with tips on saving water by fixing leaks and broken sprinklers, urging people to conserve water.
An infographic saying “It’s Dry Out There!” with tips on saving water by fixing leaks and broken sprinklers, urging people to conserve water.
Cartoon of a girl in a superhero cape turning off a garden hose, with text advising not to water in the mid-day heat. Sun is shining overhead. #ItsDryOutThere.
Cartoon of a girl in a superhero cape turning off a garden hose, with text advising not to water in the mid-day heat. Sun is shining overhead. #ItsDryOutThere.
A man wearing a blue cape and "H₂ERO" shirt loads a dishwasher near the text: "When it’s dry, be a H₂ERO and wash only full loads! #ItsDryOutThere.
A man wearing a blue cape and “H₂ERO” shirt loads a dishwasher near the text: “When it’s dry, be a H₂ERO and wash only full loads! #ItsDryOutThere.
A chart with four colored levels describing water use restrictions, from Level 1 (public info) to Level 3+ (potable water use restrictions), by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.
A chart with four colored levels describing water use restrictions, from Level 1 (public info) to Level 3+ (potable water use restrictions), by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.