Local conditions for Cobb County, such as minimal rainfall over the last few months and stream flow levels, indicate drought intensity levels are increasing. Across most of metro Atlanta, our water supply comes from a surface water source; in Cobb County, these sources are the Chattahoochee River and Allatoona Lake. When it doesn't rain to replenish these surface water sources, supplies may experience stress. So, what can YOU do to help conserve water right now?

• Follow the state’s permanent year-round outdoor irrigation restrictions that are limited to before 10:00am and after 4:00pm.
• Only water plants and lawns when necessary. Most lawns and established plants can tolerate temporary drought conditions with no permanent damage.
• Use your dishwasher and washing machines only with full loads.
• Properly winterize your irrigation system so that your lines do not freeze and burst during cold weather.
• If you are traveling over the holidays, shut off your main water valve and open a faucet to allow all water already in the pipes to drain out.

To keep up-to-date on current drought indicator conditions and if official restrictions are declared by GA EPD, visit https://www.drought.gov/states/georgia, CCWS website cobbwater.org, https://allatoona.uslakes.info/Level/, and https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/rt. Practicing water-saving measures now can help preserve our water resources until, hopefully, wetter conditions return soon.