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Conserving Georgia’s Water

The entire state of Georgia is currently under a Level One drought declaration issued by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The drought is a result of several factors. During July 2006, the average temperature was 80.9° F, which is 0.9° F warmer than the average for the 20th century. July 2006 had 2.26 inches less rainfall than the 20th century average. Every decade the average decrease in precipitation is 0.09 inches.

 

We all have a responsibility to consciously conserve Georgia's water resources. Water conservation is defined as the beneficial reduction in water use, waste, and loss. The goals of water conservation are sustainability for future generations, energy conservation, and wildlife habitat conservation.

 

Outdoor conservation practices include:

  • Watering for two hours once every week or every two weeks. Plants only need one inch every 7 to 10 days.

  • Mulching heavily to help the soil retain water.

  • Raising your lawn mower blade during dry weather to encourage deeper rooting.
     

Indoor conservation practices include:

  • Verifying that your home or office is leak-free by checking your water meter in a two-hour period when no water is used to see if it reads the same.

  • Repairing dripping faucets and leaking toilets. If a faucet is leaking at one drop per second, it can waste 3,000 gallons per year.

  • Installing low flow showerheads.

  • Turning off the water while brushing your teeth.

  • Installing high-efficiency toilets that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush.

  • Using dish and clothes washing appliances wisely by only washing full loads.
     

Water providers can also aid water conservation by:

  • Enforcing the outdoor watering schedule.

  • Implementing a water loss control and leak detection program.

  • Adopting conservation-oriented rate structures.

  • Offering discounts for water efficient technology.

  • Promoting an educational outreach program.
     

If everyone contributes to conserving Georgia's water, we can save landscapes, time, money, and the environment.

- Faith A. Waldrop, Site Manager