WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Communities in the Southeastern United States were urged to adopt conservation measures in the wake of the worst drought in more than a century.
Although rain was due Friday across parts of the region, it wasn't expected to put a dent in the 16-month drought and the driest September in 113 years, USA Today reported Friday.
Outdoor watering bans were in effect in the northern one-third of Georgia while bone-dry pastures led farmers to sell their cattle.
In Alabama, Elmore County has ordered floating pumps and barges to extend its water intake pipe in Lake Martin. Georgia may have to do the same in Lake Lanier, the main source of water for the city of Atlanta.
Mike Hayes who directs the National Drought Mitigation Center, told USA Today, the severe conditions in the Southeast are breaking myths that drought strikes only semiarid regions and the West is more vulnerable than the East.
