The City of Blackshear has released a public notice in support of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (GEPD) statewide Level 1 Drought Response Declaration.
Due to ongoing drought conditions statewide, which have contributed to the spread of wildfires in the region, the GEPD’s official announcement does not ban water use, but is meant to encourage responsible water use “to help protect local and regional water resources during drought conditions”.
“With a Level 1, the goal is to make people aware and to inform them about what they can do to help,” says Blackshear Mayor Keith Brooks.
Under a Level 1 drought, outdoor water use recommendations are: ▪ General outdoor watering is permitted daily between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.
The following activities are allowed at any time: watering personal food gardens, newly installed plants, seed or turf (for up to 30 days after installation), use of drip irrigation or soaker hoses and hand watering with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
The official notice thanks all those using Blackshear’s water for their cooperation in conserving water.
For additional information on water conservation, please visit https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed- protection-branch/waterconservation.
