Georgia EPD Declares State-Wide Drought Response Level 1

HCWA focuses public information on water conservation and wise water use

(McDonough, GA – April 29, 2026) As previous and current drought conditions have impacted the state’s water resources, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a state-wide Drought Response Level 1 for all water systems in Georgia.

For surface water systems such as the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA), this means an increase in public notification of the importance of water conservation and wise water use for its more than 70,000 metered customers. 

As a result of this Level 1 Drought Response declaration, HCWA customers are asked to continue to limit daily outdoor watering to the required hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., avoiding outdoor water use during the middle of the day. In addition, the HCWA is ramping up its public notification of the current drought conditions through various strategic communications, including website and social media posts, as well as reminders included on all customer bills until the Level 1 Drought Response declaration is lifted.

According to state officials, Georgia EPD has been monitoring drought conditions for several months. The recent wildfires throughout South Georgia also have exacerbated the statewide concern over unseasonably dry weather. The Level 1 Drought Response declaration is a necessary precaution due to the severity of the current drought and its potential impact on water supply.

While the HCWA water system is currently in good shape despite the current drought conditions – thanks to long-term master planning – voluntary water conservation and wise water use by HCWA customers will go a long way in minimizing the potential negative impact of this drought on the system, says Tony Carnell, HCWA General Manager.

The HCWA owns and operates five drinking water reservoirs with a collective 18 billion gallons of raw water supply for drinking water production. Authority officials note that HCWA reservoir levels remain in good shape, approximately 91% filled. All but two reservoirs are at full pool. The Long Branch and Upper Towaliga are the only reservoirs currently lower than normal, as they are approximately 4-to-5-feet below optimal levels. 

However, statewide factors to determine EPD’s appropriate Level 1 Drought Response declaration include not just limited rainfall amounts and reservoir levels, but also current stream flows, groundwater levels, short-term climate predictions, and soil moisture across Georgia. 

According to EPD officials, this cumulative data warranted the need for the current statewide drought response.

In Henry County, HCWA officials do not anticipate the need to implement additional watering restrictions on its customers at this time.

Some effective water conservation and wise water use tips that HCWA customers can practice year-round, but especially during the current drought conditions, include:

• Finding and fixing household water leaks, as noted in the Authority’s Fix A Leak Water Conservation Workshop for customers on March 20.
• Using more drought-resistant plants within landscapes, as well as straw around plants to retain more moisture and a rain barrel to capture rainfall for watering plants.
• Considering the installation of water-efficient appliances, especially low-flow toilets.
• Taking shorter showers instead of baths and turning off faucets while brushing teeth or lathering hands when washing.
• Using the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
• Remembering to check irrigation systems to make sure they are set properly and not leaking.
• The HCWA has a tiered rate structure specifically designed to incentivize wise water use. In short, less water usage results in a lower consumption rate and total consumption charges for HCWA customers.

For updates on the current drought conditions and any future EPD Drought Response declarations, as well as for more public information on water conservation and wise water use, please visit the HCWA website at www.hcwa.com.