Water Woes in larger cities will continue to plague this region because of poor city planning to incorporate and update water sources. No matter how much rain we get, there is a small percentage of lakes and reservoirs which too many cities must draw from. The state and the cities need to become more up-to-date in their planning, and make sure catchment basins and other forms of water catchment are in place - or limit the amount of home building in congested areas.

Drought is only part of the problem,

GGG

I'm with Girl group girl, A few good months of rain is just a few good months of rain. I am thankful for it, but I am still Xeriscaping most of my yard with drought tolerant natives.

Harriet

About the long term predictions, they are just that, but the 2008 almanac has been pretty on so far as I can tell.
However, like 3g says, poor city planning is key.

I am regretting only having one rain barrel now, even though I hardly need the water in it, I should have a huge tank to get the water now while I can.
My next plans include to get a larger water container or multiple 50 galloners, and somehow hook up a pump to them

That way, when I'm out in the front yard with the pressure hose, and the cops/water police show up, or nosy neighboors, I can squirt them in the shoes! Not really, I wouldn't really do it, but a huge water system based on rain seems to be a very viable alternative, if not initially pricey.

Did you know that in Atlanta last year, in the biggest heat of drought with the insane waterbans, that there were some 20+ major water main breaks/leaks letting go of some millions upon millions of gallons a day, just running into the sewer?

what's up with that!@

I hear that herboil! There has been a water leak on the street in front of my house for 5 months now! It took a month to get them to come out and it took them another month to tell me I shouldn't worry about it because it's not on my property! We might not have such water problems if they would repair all these leaks!

I'm with ya'll.
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is building a giant undeground cistern/tank to collect rainwater. I'm thinking of building one above ground under my deck.

If you look into getting a tank check with Tractor Supply Company. That is where I am getting mine.

I saw some cistern at Whole Foods yesterday. I couldn't find the price so may be it's for their personal use. Seen them in a garden catalog once. They are very expensive.

I grew up in a 3rd world country with hot and humid climate and lack of rain. We used a water cistern in the back patio. We used it for a lot of things including cooking.