WCWSA DROUGHT CENTER

Please Note: The Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority (WCWSA) does not create, establish, or set the rules and regulations regarding residential or commercial water-use restrictions.

All drought response levels, mandatory water-use cutbacks, and statewide outdoor watering schedules are determined exclusively by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD). 

Under the official declaration of EPD Director Jeff Cown, a Level 1 Drought Response is currently maintained statewide. Consequently, the GA EPD requires all citizens to follow the standard year-round outdoor watering schedule, which limits watering strictly to the hours between 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM. 

As your local water provider, WCWSA is required by state law to communicate and uphold these EPD directives to ensure our water system remains in full compliance. For specific questions regarding state drought declarations and water restriction policies, please refer directly to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. 

Current Drought Status: Level 1 Drought Response

On August 14, 2026, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) officially maintained a Level 1 Drought Response for all water permittees statewide. This declaration is a precautionary measure due to significant rainfall deficits across the region. 

At this time, there are no mandatory water-use surcharges or supply cutbacks for Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority (WCDWTF) customers. However, the EPD requires all residents to practice standard water conservation and adhere strictly to the statewide outdoor watering schedule. 

To ensure continued water stability during the dry fall season, please observe the following EPD-mandated watering times:

• Allowed Watering Hours: Outdoor watering is strictly limited to the hours between 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM. 
• Restricted Hours: No outdoor watering is permitted between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to limit evaporation loss. 

We are currently experiencing a noticeable dry pattern, particularly as El Niño wind shear weakens late-summer tropical rain events. Data from the official TVA rain gauge at the Chickamauga plant highlights the current deficit over the 11-month period from October 2025 to August 13, 2026: 

Metric Measurement Actual 11-Month Rainfall

33.26 inches 

Historical 11-Month Average

51.11 inches 

Current Rainfall Deficit

17.85 inches 

Despite the 17.85-inch drop in normal rainfall, the Walker County water supply remains highly stable and resilient. 

• Our primary surface water source, Crawfish Spring, is currently holding steady and pushing an average of 23 million gallons per day. 
• At Crawfish Spring Lake, the bank and water surface elevation remains strong at approximately 714 ft ASL. 
• Our deep groundwater wells (Wells 2, 3, and 4) and Crawfish Spring draw from the Knox Group aquifer. 
• The Knox Group is covered by a thick, permeable layer of chert and clay residuum. 
• This thick geological layer acts as a massive sponge, absorbing past precipitation and slowly filtering it down to the rock openings below. 
• Because of this slow-release mechanism, our springs and wells continue to discharge large volumes of water and remain far less susceptible to extended drought conditions than other regions. 

While our aquifer provides a reliable buffer, conservation is key to ensuring long-term sustainability. Weather forecasts indicate that the El Niño subtropical jet stream will shift south later in the year, which is expected to bring heavy winter rains to help replenish the system. Until then, we ask all Walker County residents to do their part by following the EPD outdoor watering schedule and fixing any household leaks.