The much needed rains of the last month have brought much needed
relief to Georgia ending the drought across much of the state.

In his most recent press release, Stooksbury reported "All of Georgia
except the Lanier and Hartwell basins are now out of drought. Several
days of heavy rain across the southern two-thirds of the state have
alleviated the remaining drought conditions in south Georgia. The Lake
Lanier and Lake Hartwell basins remain in moderate drought."

Fortunately, these same rains have recharged soil moisture levels as
well as our streams, rivers and reservoirs across much of North
Georgia. Unfortunately, these two critical basins have not received as
much precipitation as some other areas as can be seen in the graph
below. They are certainly in better shape than before the rain and
we'll all keep our fingers crossed that conditions will continue to
improve.

 North Georgia remains in a Level IV drought response and will likely
remain there for some time. In order to lower the level, EPD must
record 4 months of improving conditions including stream flows, soil
moisture, reservoir levels and weather forecasts. However, counties
are now better positioned to petition EPD for lower level restrictions
in their area.


Dr. Teri Hamlin
North Region Agriculture Education
Georgia Department of Education
204C Four Towers University of Georgia
Athens, Ga 30602
706-542-3679 / 706-540-0032
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