Governor declares drought emergencies for 19 counties

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, joined by Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, requested a disaster declaration from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns on Tuesday.

"On a daily basis, we hear from farmers and cattlemen that have or are on the cusp of losing everything to this extraordinary weather," the two senators wrote to the agriculture secretary.

On Friday, Gov. Bob Riley declared drought emergencies for 19 counties in north and central Alabama, including Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Lawrence, and requested a federal disaster declaration for farmers to become eligible for aid.

"Everyone needs to conserve water whenever possible," Riley said. "I strongly encourage residents to follow the restrictions issued by their water providers and encourage those not yet under restrictions to take steps now to conserve water in their daily routines."

Statewide, the drought is getting worse. As of Monday, the U.S. Drought Monitor maintained Alabama's drought as "exceptional" in the Huntsville area, the only state with such a high rank. Officials classify the drought as "extreme" in the Shoals region.

On Sunday, Birmingham Water Works banned residential water sprinklers and car washing and imposed surcharges on those who overuse water, according to The Birmingham News.

One statewide restriction, effective since mid-May from the National Forest Commission, prohibits residents in all 67 counties from residential burning, said Mike Melton, director of the Colbert County Emergency Management Agency.