The new Drought SWAP program will be drilling new wells for farmers in the Lower Flint River Basin.  There will be limitations on where these new wells can be sited and when they can be used:  New wells will be installed where farmers currently rely on direct surface water withdrawals for irrigation water. New wells will be located in the Lower Flint River Basin (project area map). Applications will be prioritized based on a number of factors including the amount of acreage, anticipated groundwater availability, availability of storage (farm ponds), and other factors to optimize water management options during drought. New wells will be permitted by Georgia EPD for use only during drought periods and will substitute for use of the surface water withdrawal during that time.  Applications for Drought SWAP are currently open and will be accepted through October 31, 2023.  This follows on the first round for applications in 2022.  We received many applications during the 2022 application period, but we expect to have capacity for more participants and therefore, we are inviting additional applications.