Watering Restrictions Remain In Spite of Rain

We've had a rainy winter, it seems, but reservoir levels are still low, according to Oconee County Utility Director Chris Thomas as reported by OnlineAthens on Jan 25. 

On Wednesday, the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority decided to keep restrictions on outdoor watering in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties. The decision was based on mandates that restrictions must be approved by the state; keeping the restrictions in place will allow the authority to move quickly should the levels drop like last year. The Bear Creek Reservoir, provides water for these four counties and is operated by the authority.

Outdoor watering is allowed only on Saturdays except from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for people with even-numbered addresses, and only on Sundays except from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for people with odd-numbered addresses. There are exceptions and allowances which include hand-watering, watering gardens, commercial agriculture and irrigating new turf. You can find the full drought contingency Plan for the Bear Creek Reservoir here.