Auburn Phase I Drought Watch
February 09 2026
AUBURN, Ala, - In accordance with the City of Auburn Drought Management Plan, the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn is enacting a Phase I Drought Watch effective February 9, 2026.
Auburn currently has an ample supply of water for public health and emergency purposes; however, the Water Works Board is asking customers to be responsible stewards of our natural resources and participate in voluntary conservation measures in an effort to control excessive water use and to preempt the need for mandatory restrictions, should conditions not improve over the next few months.
A Phase 1 Drought Watch declaration is a voluntary request for residents and businesses to enact common water conservation practices. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Reduce irrigation frequency or consider watering at efficient times of the day to prevent evaporation due to heat and wind (after 8:00 PM and before 8:00 AM). Check your sprinkler timer and make adjustments as needed.
- Check sprinkler heads and adjust them as needed to keep water on your lawn, trees and shrubs and keep water off streets, driveways and sidewalks.
- Check your sprinkler system for leaks and make repairs in a timely manner to minimize water losses.
- Do not leave manual sprinklers or running hoses unattended. If watering manually, use a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off the water.
- Postpone washing houses or paved surfaces unless for public health or safety reasons.
- Take shorter showers.
- Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or washing dishes by hand.
- Only run full loads of laundry or dishes.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released on February 5, 2026, indicates that all of Lee County is in Severe or Extreme drought condition. The Auburn area finished calendar year 2025 with a rainfall deficit of over 20-inches below normal in some areas, and for the month of January 2026, rainfall totals were again well below normal. As a result, local reservoirs and groundwater tables are below normal levels for this time of year. In addition, the long-term forecast from the National Weather Service projects below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures for the next 90 days.
The American Water Works Association defines water conservation as doing more with less, not doing without. By working together we can preserve the water supply and possibly prevent the need for mandatory restrictions. For more information, please contact the Water Resource Management Department at 334.501.3060. Refer to the City of Auburn’s Drought Monitor website for future updates at Drought Monitor - City of Auburn.
Related Information
OWR Drought Planning Website and Declarations: http://adeca.alabama.gov/Divisions/owr/Pages/Drought.aspx
https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/AlaDroughtDeclaration_Jan2026.pdf
U.S. Drought Monitor (Alabama)
Alabama | U.S. Drought Monitor
National Weather Service Long Range Forecast Map
City of Auburn Water Conservation Website