Drought declaration for four counties

UNDATED - Despite recent rains, the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority has voted to declare a "Stage 1" drought for four northeast Georgia counties.

Officials tell accessnorthga.com that beginning this weekend, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties, which share the Bear Creek Reservoir, must reduce water consumption by 2.5 percent.

The authority's action, however, will not mean new outdoor water use restrictions, for the time being, at least.

There are already statewide limitations on outdoor water use but some places have imposed restrictions that are even tougher than the state's.