Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-30 - DROUGHT MANAGEMENT
Rule 391-3-30-.05 - Drought Declaration
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) Based upon an evaluation in accordance with Rule 391-3-30-.04, the Director may declare non-drought conditions and various drought response levels for the affected drought area(s). Such declaration shall be based upon the severity of drought conditions and their impact on the ability of permittees that are public water systems to provide adequate supplies of water within the affected drought area(s) and avoid or relieve local water shortages.
(2) The Director may declare non-drought conditions and drought response Level 1, 2 or 3, with Level 1 being the least severe and Level 3 being the most severe drought response level.
(3) The Director shall designate the geographical boundary of the affected drought area(s). The geographical delineation of a drought response level shall be based upon the severity of climatic indicators and condition of water supplies occurring within all or a portion of defined hydrologic units, counties or other areas. The drought response level shall apply to all permittees, except as described in subparagraph (4), within the affected drought area(s).
(4) The Director may differentiate between surface water drought and ground water drought in any affected drought area(s).
(5) Upon declaring a drought response level, including non-drought conditions, the Director shall provide notice of such declaration to all permittees and the general public within the affected drought area(s). At a minimum, the Director shall issue a press release and send each affected permittee a letter which shall include the drought response level and a summary of the requirements for that particular drought response level.
O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-5-8.