Drought conditions have expanded across Chattooga County, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor showing the entire county now classified as being in moderate drought.

The report, released Thursday, October 29, and based on conditions through October 27, places 100 percent of Chattooga County in the D1, or moderate drought, category.

That’s a significant change from late September, when only a small portion of northwestern Chattooga County on Lookout Mountain was experiencing moderate drought. At that time, the remainder of the county was classified as abnormally dry.

The drought extends into surrounding counties. The latest figures show approximately 98 percent of Floyd County in moderate drought, along with 79 percent of Gordon County and 45 percent of Walker County.

The U.S. Drought Monitor uses several measurements, including rainfall, soil moisture and streamflow, to evaluate drought conditions. Moderate drought can affect pastures, crops and soil moisture, while increasing the need for careful water management.

The dry conditions come as Georgia remains under a statewide Level 1 Drought Response issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Under the Level 1 response, residents are encouraged to conserve water. Most outdoor watering for lawns, gardens and landscaping is permitted before 10 AM and after 4 PM, but not during the midday hours.

Chattooga County Public Service Superintendent Tim Brunson previously reported that the county water system was not experiencing supply problems and had an ample water supply. That statement was issued earlier in the drought and should not be considered a new assessment of current water levels.

Rain is expected to return to Northwest Georgia on Wednesday, with showers and thunderstorms potentially bringing significant rainfall to the region. However, any improvement in the official drought classification will depend on how much rain falls and how conditions respond.

The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated each Thursday, with the next report scheduled for November 5.