Tips for water conservation... (Atlanta, Franklin: home, landscaping, disposal)

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Conserve Water Using These Tips from the City of Atlanta

Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Watershed Management Commissioner Robert Hunter recently warned City water customers that Georgia’s current water shortage “is not a test” and conservation of the state’s resources is critical to managing the drought.

The City of Atlanta will be monitoring the illegal use of water. After an initial written warning, customers will receive escalating administrative penalties of $100, $500 and $1,000. For a list of violations, visit The City of Atlanta | Department of Watershed Management.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips:

-Take a “Navy” shower. Rinse, turn water off, soap up, turn water on and rinse again.

-Gentlemen - shave in the sink. Ladies - if this is too acrobatic, shave in the shower, but do so during the “soap-up” portion of the “Navy” shower.

-Do like Mayor Franklin and keep a 10-gallon bucket in your shower. When it is full, water outdoor plants. You can also keep a bucket in your kitchen. Pour water you would normally pour down the sink into the bucket.

-Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth.

-Dispose of floor sweepings in the trash, not the toilet.

-If you have an ancient toilet, consider switching it for a new, water-conserving model. If this home improvement project isn’t in the budget, at least make sure your toilet isn’t running when it shouldn’t be. If it is, replace the flapper mechanism inside the tank. This inexpensive fix could save you gallons of water each week – and reduce your water bill.

-Hand-wash your dishes. Fill one sink with soapy water and one sink with rinse water. If you have to use your dishwasher, make sure it is full before running it.

-Turn in your top-loading washing machine for a much more efficient front-loading model. Top-loading machines can use as much as 40 gallons per wash, while front-loading models use less than 20. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Don’t run your washing machine if it isn’t full.

-Use your food disposal unit sparingly. Instead, create a compost pile. You will waste less water and have compost to use on your landscaping once the drought is over!

For more information about water conservation, call 404.589.2684.

Source: City Newsbytes: The Official E-Newsletter for the City of Atlanta (http://www.atlantaga.gov/media/citynewsbytes_101607.aspx#water - broken link)

[motleygus]

How long is this "major" water shortage supposed to last (according to the state). I know there will always be a water shortage problem but this sounds absolutely major down in Georgia right now. I am looking to move there but am concerned.

[IntownHomes247]

We have had several years of below average rainfall, including this year which is one of the driest on record (I believe it's currently the 3rd driest on record). The current crisis will probably last until we have above-average rainfall for several years so that we can replenish the water stored in area reservoirs like Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona. We are currently entering what is historically our driest season of the year, so we don't have much opportunity to make up for the current rainfall deficit. If we have a very rainy winter & spring it would help, but if we continue to have drought conditions we're going to have serious problems for a long time to come.

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

If enough people will do their part to conserve water and stop using large amounts than maybe we could have a chance to "survive" this shortage.