Today, a story on NPR bothered me quite a bit. NPR enlightened its audience on the droughts in Georgia, and the likely possibility that all outdoor pools will not be allowed to be filled this upcoming summer if the drought continues. 

I'm upset with this story for a number of reasons. Most of the Deep South states suffered from drought conditions for the past two summers. Furthermore, most of these states took precautions to conserve water. Plants died. Lakes were incredibly low. Residents were only allowed certain days of the week to water their lawn or wash their car, ONLY before 8 a.m., or after 7 p.m. Fines were imposed on those households who went beyond their water allowances. In the state of Alabama, citizens did everything possible to conserve water.

In the story on NPR, it said that many Georgia residents, specifically north of Atlanta, disregarded the suggestions to conserve water. First of all, they DISREGARDED it. And, why wasn't it MANDATED to conserve water, as it was in other states?

Then, after the major water conservation areas in Georgia were almost dry, Georgia asked other states for water! These states, Alabama included, didn't have it to share. 

Should Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and others be punished for the flamboyant ignorance and disregard of Georgians? NO. I hate it for the state, but this entire drought issue's severity should be blamed on the administration of Georgia, and their Governor should have paid attention to the state's need. Furthermore, he should have been a better leader by implicating those who were in violation of conservation guidelines.

It may sound harsh and apathetic, but I spent an entire summer and beyond trying to conserve as much water as possible, as did many others in this and other states. Other states in the region should not have to suffer on behalf of such disregard. And, if Georgia didn't conserve in the first place, maybe a pool-less summer will teach them a lesson from their own poor behavior.