I participated in a bike ride from Athens to Jacksonville this weekend, which went extremely well (thank you Tim and Kimberly!). As I rode very slowly from North Georgia down across the Florida line and into the Sunshine State, I was able to closely observe many bodies of water along the way. It was extremely clear to see the disparity in water levels between here and further south. The bodies of water down in South Georgia and Florida were at normal if not better than normal levels and there was not much sign of drought. There was also a fair amount of rainfall on the way down and I had the joy of riding through some of it. The rain just seems to be missing us up here.
As I am following my story and gathering more information, I am becoming more and more concerned about the severity of the situation. I have known for quite some time now that things have been getting serious, but seeing each week go by with hardly any rain is starting to make the situation a reality for me, and witnessing the comparison of the drought situation here with other places in the South certainly made it more real.
What other steps can we take? Water use has been decreased by at least 20%, but will that be enough? Will we have to see water rationing in our homes?
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When I drove to Augusta last week we saw some rivers that looked almost completely dried up.
Northeast Georgia isn't the only drought-plagued part of the US.
For another view, check out Jon Gertner's cover story in last Sunday's NY Times Magazine (21 Oct 07). The title is "The Perfect Drought: Will population growth and climate change leave the West without water?" and it's an excellent "big picture" piece.
The problem with getting a couple of rain showers is that we start thinking it's okay to leave the water running while brushing our teeth.
It also doesn't help that an ACC commissioner told my mom that we "have plenty of water." I'm not too sure why someone of authority would say that, when the governor has asked for federal aid, but it seems to me to be counterproductive and just plain wrong.
A certain congressional office this week received a "distress" letter from a nurseryman whose business is drying up... literally. They are allowed to hand water once per week, and their plants are dying.
Car Washes have some exceptions, but nurseries are really having a hard time if they do not have their own source of irrigation.
What should the US Congress or State of Georgia do to assist these folks if anything?
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