County officials warn of "exceptional drought," urge conservation and prioritize brush-truck replacements
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Summary
Lowndes County officials said parts of the area are now in D4 'exceptional drought' and warned of elevated wildfire risk; the county urged water conservation, noted exemptions for agriculture, and said brush trucks need prioritization after recent wildfires.
Lowndes County officials urged residents to conserve water and highlighted rising wildfire risk after a National Weather Service update that placed parts of the region in "D4—exceptional drought."
County manager Miss Dukes told commissioners that the Water Stewardship Act now applies statewide and that the statute prohibits landscape irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while noting vegetable gardens and hand-watering are not affected. She said the measure is intended to raise awareness and that the county will pass along state guidance if additional, stricter local restrictions are issued.
Ashley Tye of the National Weather Service briefed the board on drought outlooks and said short-term relief is unlikely. "We are now in D4 exceptional drought," Tye said, explaining that recent rainfall amounts are well below historical averages for this time of year, temperatures have been several degrees above normal and soils are drying faster than usual. Tye said the NWS does not expect sufficient rain until mid-to-late May or more likely June to meaningfully improve conditions.
Chief Young described an increase in wildfire responses tied to yard-debris and hurricane blowdown. He said the county recorded 206 wildfire calls year to date and recounted a recent woods fire on Boring Pond Road that required Georgia Forestry units and an air tanker to assist. "We did lose a recreational vehicle, and we did have damage to one of the structures before we arrived on scene," Chief Young said, adding that Georgia Forestry took the incident over for extended suppression.
Officials stressed practical steps: Miss Dukes said residents can use county drop-off sites for yard debris while burn restrictions are in effect, and staff will contact haulers about temporary accommodations. Chief Young emphasized the operational need to keep brush trucks in service and requested prioritization of replacement and maintenance to match rising wildfire demand.
What’s next: County staff said they will increase public messaging about the Water Stewardship Act and coordinate with haulers and forestry partners; the board received the report and no vote was required.
