Despite a much needed two days of rainfall, Gainesville is still heavily in the midst of a Level 2 drought according to the City of Gainesville Water Resources Director Linda MacGregor.
"To consider ourselves recovered from the drought," said MacGregor to the Gainesville City Council at Thursday's work session. "We need (rain) all winter. We need regular rains all winter long."
The current Lake Lanier water level is at 1060.85 feet, 2.5 inches higher than it was two days ago but still over 11 feet lower than full pool. This year was unique in that Lake Lanier started higher than full pool but has dropped rapidly during the dry period this summer and fall.
Because of the drought, several watering restrictions have been placed on Gainesville residents. Most notably, odd/even watering is now in effect.
Addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 may water only on Thursdays and Sundays, addresses ending in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0 may water only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All watering needs to take place on the designated days before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
The City of Gainesville Department of Water Resources has also released a list of what is prohibited under Level 2 drought conditions and what is still allowed.
"We have the eye on for people who are watering when they're not supposed to be watering," MacGregor said. "Trying to get the word out to people about what they can and can't do."
Violators are first given a warning and technical assistance. Repeat violators are subject to a $50 surcharge. Second and subsequent violators are assessed a surcharge of $200 and water supply cut-off. Water supply is restored upon payment of the surcharge and a reconnection fee. Egregious violations can be assessed a surcharge of up to $2,500.
