With June temperatures routinely hitting the 90s and little rain so far this summer, drought conditions have worsened across Georgia, says State Climatologist David Stooksbury.

Earlier this week, Stooksbury said the state has slipped into a deeper drought.

But those keeping a keen eye on the City of Winder's water system didn't have to look to Stooksbury for that word. All Utililies Director David Skinner and City Administrator Bob Beck had to do was to take a look at the flow in the Mulberry River. The level dropped below 7Q10 - the 7-day flow that has only a 10 percent chance of occurring in any given year.

When the Mulberry drops below 7Q10, Winder cannot pump raw water from the river to be treated for use by households, businesses and industries seved by the Winder water system.

Beck said it is likely a mistake for three of the Upper Oconee Water Basin Authority member-counties to request lessening of water restrictions. When news reached the media that one day of outdoor watering would be allowed in Athens-Clarke, Oconee and Jackson beginning on Monday, water usage shot up. Beck said that doesn't bode well for the future if customers are already breaking the rules which haven't even kicked in yet.

Water conservation must remain a household word - and deed - if ample water supplies are to be available for all during the usually dry months of July and August.

Originally published Sunday, June 29, 2008