Severe drought grips Greene County prompting urgent water restrictions

Greene County is currently facing a severe drought, with the majority of the area classified as D2, or severe drought, according to NOAA. This marks a significant increase from the end of May, where conditions were less severe. Notably, a third of the county's western edge is experiencing extreme drought (D3), particularly affecting river levels and increasing demand on the local water system.

In response to the worsening conditions, officials are recommending voluntary water restrictions to help manage the situation. Recent rainfall may delay the need for mandatory restrictions, but the county has already exceeded its permitted water usage multiple times this month. Residents are urged to conserve water, particularly for non-essential uses like lawn watering.

The meeting also addressed ongoing infrastructure projects, including proposals for water and sewer standards. Decisions regarding engineering contracts are expected by mid to late August. Additionally, the county is moving forward with a lead and copper rule project, with proposals anticipated in early August.

Billing practices were discussed, with a shift to a more consistent schedule for meter readings and bill due dates. The county aims to streamline the billing process, moving due dates to the first week of each month. However, concerns have been raised about the frequency of changing due dates.

Efforts to address late payments were highlighted, with plans to distribute door hangers to customers in arrears and implement a 10% late fee for unpaid bills. The county is prioritizing collections for those significantly overdue, while also managing the resource-intensive process of cutting off services for non-payment.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for water conservation amid severe drought conditions and outlined steps to improve water management and billing practices in Greene County.