The City of Auburn announced today that the Phase II Drought Warning, which took effect May 1, remains in place despite recent rainfall.
On May 6 and 7, Auburn reportedly experienced 3 to 3.5 inches of rainfall, which brought short-term relief to dry conditions. As a result of this rainfall, Lake Ogletree, Auburn’s primary water source, rose 3 feet.
However, the lake is still 2.5 feet below normal for the time of year, according to the announcement.
The city recommends that citizens continue water conservation measures and confirms that water restrictions remain active. These restrictions include:
- All residential addresses ending in an odd number are able to irrigate, if irrigation is necessary, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All addresses ending in an even number should only be irrigated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No irrigation will be allowed on Sundays.
- All irrigation is to be limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Washing of houses or paved surfaces is to be eliminated unless for public health or safety reasons.
- Eliminate wasting irrigation water by not allowing it to run into the streets and storm drains.
- Identify and repair water leaks in a timely manner.
- No residential car washing will be allowed.
- The city will reduce water use for street cleaning, main flushing and landscaping.
- All commercial car washes should evaluate equipment to recycle and conserve water.
Auburn has experienced lower-than-average rainfall since last summer or early fall 2025, according to the city. Aside from mandatory water restrictions, those who use over the monthly thresholds are subject to surcharges:
- A 25% surcharge will be applied to the current established rate for all usage above 3,000 gallons for irrigation meter classes per cycle.
- A 25% surcharge will also be applied to the current established rate for all usage above 12,000 gallons for a ¾-inch residential meter class per cycle. For example, for a residential ¾-inch meter, the current rate is $4.17/1,000 gallons. With this surcharge in effect, that rate would now go to $5.21/1,000 gallons for usage above 12,000 gallons.
- The $5.21 per 1,000 gallons surcharge rate will apply to irrigation class meters for usage above 3,000 gallons.
The Phase II Drought Warning comes nearly three months after the announcement of a Phase 1 Drought Watch, which took effect Feb. 9.
The Alabama Drought Monitor, with Lee County outlined in black. Lee County is classified as a D3, or Extreme Drought. Map released May 7. The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.
Eric Carson, Water Resource Management director, said he is optimistic for more rain and that the city has already taken steps to reduce water usage.
“We are encouraged by the recent rainfall and are optimistic more is on the horizon,” Eric Carson, Water Resource Management director, said in the announcement. “We want to thank the community for the strides they have taken to conserve water and protect our water sources. We have seen a 16.5% reduction in water system demand since May 1, which brings us close to reaching our 20% reduction goal. When we all reduce our usage by even a little, together we have a big impact on our local water resources.”
To stay up-to-date on Auburn's drought status, visit the City of Auburn's Drought Monitor.
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Amanda Machamer, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Spring 2025. Machamer previously served as a news writer and assistant news editor, and she is currently serving as the assistant content editor.
