Wells are running dry in Central and South Georgia as drought lowers the water table. Well drillers are working seven days a week to keep up with demand.

When a well runs dry in this agricultural region the only thing to do is dig deeper to find water. In some cases it’s not working. Rural cities like Dawson and Doerun are running out of drinking water. Emergency officials are trucking it in.

Fort Valley pecan farmer Trent Mason is using his well to irrigate his trees 12 hours a day. He says this is much worse than the last drought in 2007.

“I can’t emphasize enough how we need a rain. Generally in Central Georgia in the springtime’s when you get your rain, and from April 1st I haven’t had rain. So, it’s going on seventy-five days.”

22 counties in South Georgia are seeking a federal disaster declaration. Farmers expect crop losses to be substantial.

Tags: Georgia agriculture, georgia drought, farmers, water shortages