Despite rainfall in Athens, the drought remains.

“It has not made a major dent in the drought,” said David Stooksbury, state climatologist and associate professor at the University.

Though rain helped, Athens still needs more to make a substantial impact, said Jeff Montgomery, Athens-Clarke County government spokesman.

Athens received .53 inches of rain last Monday, but the precipitation level is 17.9 inches below average. The Bear Creek Reservoir is 9.27 feet below normal level.

Over the last 30 days, Athens received 2.35 inches of rain, Stooksbury said. The normal precipitation level is 3.71.

The University’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Water Resources published its report Nov. 15, giving the University recommendations to achieve effective water conservation on campus.

Time will tell the impact of that report, said Lonnie Brown, associate professor in the law school and a task force member.

“The University is definitely trying to do everything it can right now,” he said.

Drought Conditions During Winter Months

Winter months are not likely to increase the strain on drought conditions, Stooksbury said. By the end of winter, he said he expects Bear Creek Reservoir to be near full capacity. Any rain that falls will have an opportunity to stay in the soil, Stooksbury said.

“If we do not receive enough rain this winter, we’ll be in trouble by early summer of 2008,” Stooksbury said.

The Dangers of ‘Gray Water’

The drought led to discussions about “purple” and “gray” water.

“Gray water” is wastewater from the shower, sink or laundry room. It is used for irrigation purposes – landscaping and recreational fields. But it won’t be used around the University. The use of “gray water” in Georgia is illegal.

“The problem with ‘gray water’ is that it may have contamination in it,” said Todd Rasmussen, professor of hydrology and water resources and a task force member.

“Purple water” is the process of using treated, unsafe drinking water. In other words, “purple water” is “treated gray water,” Rasmussen said. In the future, Rasmussen said the Athens Water Treatment Plant will be upgraded and capable of producing “purple water.”

“Purple water” is good for campus landscaping and is inexpensive to treat, he said.

Drought Restrictions Remain Necessary

“Drought is a normal part of the climate system,” Stooksbury said.

It’s important to remember droughts are a natural process, he said. It can produce ecological advantages.

Current restrictions and regulations remain in place until conditions improve – including an outdoor watering ban.

Athens is one of the first communities to meet the state-mandated goal and reduce water consumption by 10 percent before Dec. 1.