The water resource [Vol. 4, no. 1 (Summer 2005)]

Community Spotlight

The District commends the water conservation efforts being implemented by local governments throughout the region. The following programs are helping to save millions of gallons of water and educate residents about the importance of water conservation:
As the second largest supplier of drinking water in Georgia, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority has led the way for water conservation within the region. CCMWA manages the successful waterSmart program that teaches residents how to save water, time and money. The Water Authority also helped develop the Water Source Books, a popular education curriculum focused on water conservation and other water resource topics. In 1996 the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 office recognized Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority as the best operated water system in the Southeast.
Cobb County Water System has built upon early efforts to further water conservation initiatives in the region and is actively involved in the District's Water Conservation Sub-committee. Cobb County was one of

the first communities to formally adopt a Water Conservation Plan and to implement conservation rate structures. Some of the county's other water conservation activities include retrofitting municipal buildings that do not have low flow fixtures, sponsoring a showerhead swap out program, distributing retrofit kits to low-income accounts and distributing a water audit handout and other educational materials.
The City of Gainesville may be a small jurisdiction but it is one of the District's most active communities involved in water conservation. The city is increasing its environmental awareness and water conservation efforts through its new leak detection program, "U-Fix-It," retrofitting workshops and presentations to school groups in grades K-12. The city has also adopted ordinances for low-flow fixtures and a new three-tiered conservation rate structure. Gainesville is also actively involved in stream monitoring, and new outreach efforts are helping residents understand the links between water quality and water conservation.
Please keep the District informed of water resource programs in your community so we can share your successes with others! Contact Joy Hinkle at 404.463.3344 or jhinkle@atlantaregional.com with updates.

Volume 4, Issue 1- Summer 2005

Message from the Chairman

Given all the rainy days recently, it may be hard for us to see the need for water conservation. Unlike the dry western areas of the country, North Georgia, with some 50 inches of rain a year, would seem to have plenty of water. But in fact, our water supplies are quite limited. If we don't start conserving water now, we won't have enough water in the future, not only during droughts, but also when rainfall is plentiful.
Managing the water supply and the wastewater treatment needs of the communities in North Georgia presents a complex set of challenges. However, minimizing water waste and implementing strategic water conservation practices are more straightforward. It simply means doing the same with less, by using water more efficiently we can ensure the availability of the resource now and for the future.
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District has called for intensive water demand management and aggressive water conservation in its Water Supply and Water Conservation Management Plan. The plan identifies 10 conservation measures that are necessary to achieve the plan's water conservation goal. The District plans and staff assistance are available to help local governments implement critical water saving practices. Our efforts will help conserve the region's precious water resources and save water for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Kit Dunlap

The Import ance of Stream Buffers
Undisturbed natural vegetation along streams helps to hold soil and banks in place and helps to filter and slow stormwater runoff. When land is developed, the undisturbed vegetation is often disrupted or destroyed. Impervious surfaces, such as buildings, roads, parking lots and driveways do not allow stormwater to soak into the ground, so more water flows faster into streams, increasing soil and stream bank erosion. Pollutants such as metals, oil, fertilizer, pesticides and pet waste coming from roads, parking lots and other developed areas can flow with the runoff into streams, rivers and lakes, degrading water quality. One way to help reduce these impacts is by maintaining vegetated buffers along rivers and streams.
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Recommended Water Conservation Actions

Conservation pricing for all District water systems
Water system leak reduction and repair
Plumbing retrofits of older, inefficient plumbing fixtures
Low-flow urinals for new industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings

Rain sensor shut-off switches on new irrigation systems Sub-unit meters in new multi-family buildings Residential water audits Commercial water audits Distribution of low-flow retrofit kits to
residential customers

A Newsletter of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District

These stream buffers separate a stream from developed areas and help to slow and filter the runoff from those areas. Stream buffers also:
Stabilize the soil and stream banks with their root systems, helping to prevent erosion and bank collapse.
Slow runoff and allow its absorption into the ground, which can help reduce flash floods and reduce flood damage.
Preserve water quality by capturing sediment and chemicals from stormwater runoff, which protects overall water quality and water supplies.
Provide shade to keep stream water cooler and discourage algae growth.
Provide natural habitat and movement corridors for birds, mammals and other wildlife.
Residential Water Use Assessments

Know When to Water
Outdoor water use can account for up to 50 percent of total water use for a home during the summer months. By following the Rules for Outdoor Water Use (Chapter 391-3-30) adopted by the Board of Natural Resources, citizens can help save millions of gallons of water and reduce their water bills. All of us need to do our part for water conservation by following the permanent outdoor watering schedule:
Odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Retrofitting Old Plumbing Fixture s

A residential water use assessment is an examination and review of how much water is used in various areas of your house. It highlights everyday activities to save water and identifies small changes that can make a big difference. By conducting a water use assessment, you can identify leaks, become more aware of how you use water and can identify ways to save water, ultimately reducing your water (and sewer) bill.
The District is developing an assessment that will help citizens figure out how much water they are actually using in their homes. The assessment will help homeowners detect leaks in pipes, toilets, and sink and bathtub faucets. The assessment guide will also include tips and recommendations for conserving water.
For more information on residential water use assessments, contact Cindy Daniel at 404.463.3261 or cdaniel@atlantaregional.com

More than 70 percent (over 1 million) homes in the District were built before 1992. These homes can use twice as much water as homes built to current plumbing codes that mandate water efficient plumbing fixtures. Millions of gallons of water per day are being wasted due to these older, inefficient high water using fixtures. Toilets and showers are two of the largest water using fixtures in homes.
Replacing old toilets and showerheads, and fixing leaky fixtures can save thousands of gallons of water per year and result in much lower water bills. This reduced cost can pay for the replaced fixtures in as little as two to three years! Retrofitting plumbing fixtures provides a costeffective means of water conservation that can help ensure the availability of water for future generations.

Summer Water Saving Tips
#79 Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons. #15 Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time. # 1 There are a number of ways to save water and they all start with you. Look for these and other water saving tips on District billboards and television spots during summer 2005.

District Leaders Elected
Kit Dunlap and Sam Olens have been elected, as the chair and vice chair of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. These individuals bring a wealth of professional experience and a strong commitment to finding solutions to the critical water issues facing the Atlanta region.
Kit is president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce in Gainesville, Georgia. In her professional career, she worked in the banking industry and commercial printing before joining the Chamber. In addition to her business experience, Kit has strong environmental interests and previously served as vice chair of the District. Kit received an A.B. in English from Brenau College. Kit has two grown children, Whitney and Jamie.
Sam Olens has served on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners since 1999, serving three and a half years as District Three commissioner representing East Cobb. In August 2002, he was elected county-wide as chairman. As commission chairman, Sam has focused on issues such as regional transportation planning, promoting quality growth acquisition of green space and construction of a performing arts center. Sam is a graduate of American University with a B.A. and M.A. in International Politics and received his law degree from Emory University in 1983. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Lauren and Jonathan.
New Subcommittee Formed to Address Septic System Issues & Problems
Nearly twenty individuals representing health departments, and local governments have formed a new subcommittee of the District's Technical Coordinating Committee to address a variety of septic system issues and problems within the District. The subcommittee has met three times and plans to address a variety of septic system issues, such

as the lack of inspection and maintenance, proper septage disposal, septic system failure from improper tank and lot sizing, and issues related to transitional areas and consumptive water use. The group hopes to create a productive discussion forum that will ultimately develop lasting solutions to correct and prevent septic system problems. For more information, contact Matt Harper at 404-463-3267 or mharper@atlantaregional.com
Clean Water Campaign Awarded for Excellence
The 2004 Clean Water Campaign public service announcements recently received three esteemed awards for television spots created by three squared. The Clean Water Campaign is honored to have received the following awards :
2005 Telly Award (bronze) Horizon Interactive Award Competition (bronze) Atlanta Marketing Association's AMY Award (bronze) These three awards add to the Campaign's existing list of honored public service announcements, which also includes the 2003 Aurora Award and the 2003 Keep Georgia Beautiful Environmental Improvement Award.
To view the award-winning public service announcements, visit the Campaign's website at www.cleanwatercampaign.com/ resources/multimedia.html. Look for more great television spots from the Clean Water Campaign in September and October on WXIA 11Alive and local government access channels.