GRIFFIN, Ga. — The City of Griffin is urging residents to save water where they can as a major drought dries out the region. But it's a request that's putting major pressure on some businesses.
The problem hasn't gotten as bad as Coweta County where outdoor watering has been restricted to an odd-even schedule. With that said, Griffin officials said the situation is getting more dire by the day and they've implemented Level 1 drought provisions.
The level doesn't require any official restrictions but it does provide that the city should encourage water users to "conserve water and use it wisely."
For some, that's something that's hard to do. At Hiz and Herz Unisex Salon, using water is a must.
"Being that this is a hair salon, the customers' hair has to be cleaned, it has to be shampooed, it has to be conditioned," Mia Smith said.
However, a deficit in the rain of about 7 inches for Spalding County since July - according to the city's own newsletter - shows that water tables are down. Constant dry weather and record heat haven't helped the situation, either.
Mondresz Booker said he can tell.
"A lot of grass is drying out and turning brown," he said. "But one of the things I do is plant seeds and wait to nightly time to try and water the lawn," he said. "That way I can preserve it."
The family restaurant known as Corner Cafe in town is seeing the pressure to cut back too. But manager Juan Diaz knows his is yet another business that can't run without water.
"We try to be mindful and be smart about how we use water," he said. "It's hard, it's tough because we are constantly washing something, rinsing something - washing dishes - and we can't not wash dishes. It's a tough deal."
For now, the conservation effort is in effect until Nov. 10. Until rain returns, the city intends to post weekly updates.