State Drought is Serious, Georgians Must Immediately Reconsider Water Usage (Atlanta: water bill, rating)

[Derrick_TheRiskTaker]

Mayor Shirley Franklin is continuing to urge city – and state – water customers to reconsider how they consume water in the face of what the State Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is calling a “historic drought” for Georgia.

Georgia is facing a dry winter. This could be disastrous to the state’s water supply - particularly in North Georgia. Georgia depends on winter rain to replenish its streams, rivers and reservoirs. Atlanta’s 2007 rainfall is approximately 17 inches below average. Lake Lanier, a primary source for City water, is 13 feet below full and continuing to drop to record lows.

As the state capital and economic engine, Atlanta’s response to the water crisis is critical to Georgia’s recovery. The City is cooperating in every way - not watering parks - and looking at other ways to conserve water. Atlanta’s watering ban is the most stringent in state history. The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is policing illegal water use from its customers, and violators will be fined. To report a violation, call 404.982.1414. For a list of water restrictions, visit The City of Atlanta | Department of Watershed Management.

In the spirit of an open and honest government, last week Mayor Franklin released her water bills from April through her most current bill in September. Her usage shows Mayor Franklin’s commitment to do her part – not just as mayor of Atlanta – but as a neighbor and resident.

“I am pleading with my fellow Atlantans and with everyone in the metropolitan Atlanta area: Please don’t use water unnecessarily. We are already at the point where your lush lawn does not inspire envy; it inspires disdain,” said Mayor Franklin. “This drought could last for the foreseeable future. We need to understand that having water to drink and to fight fires with is more important than whether your fescue dies.”

For Frequently Asked Questions on the Georgia Drought, visit here.

Source: City Newsbytes: The Official E-Newsletter for the City of Atlanta (http://www.atlantaga.gov/media/citynewsbytes_102307.aspx#drought - broken link)