By Tara DeRock Mahoney
Senior Staff Writer

    The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has eased the level of the state drought in Madison from a Level IV (more severe) to a Level IVb (less severe).
    The drought modification order went into effect on June 11, and will remain in effect through December 31, or until other directives are received from the state.
    The Georgia Environmental Protection Division determined that “water use restrictions established by the state are not necessary or appropriate to relieve or avoid a local water shortage,” according to a letter received by the city last week.
    “Under Level IVb…outdoor water uses are allowed on an odd/even basis, two days per week between midnight and 10:00 a.m.,” reads the letter from state Environmental Protection Division Director Carol Couch. “Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays; even addresses on Mondays and Wednesdays.”  Other than for newly installed landscaping, the watering should be done by hand using a garden hose for up to 25 minutes per day during the designated watering hours. No outdoor watering is permitted in the City of Madison on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
    The filling of swimming pools is still permitted, as designated by the General Assembly in May; the washing of hard surfaces, such as streets and driveways, is still prohibited.
“That’s good timing, because we’re going to need a good little bit of water to get [the landscaping in the new town park] going,” said Madison City Manager David Nunn.
For more information of the Drought Reponse Level IV area, the state EPD recommends visiting www.gaepd.com, and click on “Drought and Water Use Information for a list of frequently asked questions.