Atlanta, City Hall. Mayor Shirley Franklin proclaimed National Drinking Water Week (May 5-11) as a time to recognize the significance of the regional water resources to the health, safety and well being of this community; a time to appreciate the fact that Atlantans have a safe and dependable supply of drinking water; and a time to commit the community to preserving both the quantity and quality of our water.
As the City is in the 4th year of the most severe drought in Georgia’s recorded history, and outdoor watering restrictions have been in place continuously for the past two years, the Mayor focused attention this Water Week on highlighting the City’s water conservation programs and stressing the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. The Mayor announced the City’s “Xeriscape” program and the “Care and Conserve” program and accepted a $10,000 donation from United Water Services Atlanta for the Care and Conserve program.
The Xeriscape Program is a very important part of the City’s overall water conservation plan. Xeriscape is an innovative, comprehensive approach to landscaping for water conservation and pollution prevention.
This summer, as in the past, the City will have Senior (Masters Candidates) Landscape Architecture students available to provide free, one-on-one consultations for water customers at their homes. Atlanta’s water customers should look for an announcement in their water bill or call 404 330-6801 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
Xeriscape landscaping involves all of the following principles: good planning and design, soil analysis, selection of suitable plant materials, creation of practical turf areas, only the most efficient irrigation methods, proper use of mulches, and appropriate maintenance.
Benefits of Xeriscape landscaping include reduced water use, decreased energy use (less pumping and treatment required), reduced heating and cooling costs because of carefully placed trees, decreased storm water and irrigation runoff, less yard waste, increased habitat for plants and animals, and lower labor and maintenance costs.
Through the Summer Xeriscape Program, the City will be providing customers with advice on saving water in their landscape and also distributing some water conservation devices for indoor and outdoor use.
Mayor Franklin also announced the City’s Care & Conserve program, which assists low income customers of the Atlanta Water Department with their water and sewer bills and also helps with water conservation. This is done through:
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Plumbing repairs to reduce water waste
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Fixture replacement (w/ultra low-flow fixtures)
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Information/instruction on water conservation
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Direct payment assistance when funds are available
These services are provided by Southeast Energy Assistance (SEA) who administers this program for the City. All funds are provided through grants and donations. To receive assistance through this program or to make a contribution, please contact Southeast Energy Assistance at 404 885-1877. Over the seven years, the City’s partners have included: the US Environmental Protection Agency, Southeast Energy Assistance, AirTouch Cellular, the Turner Foundation, the Coca Cola Foundation, United Water Services Atlanta, and the City of Atlanta Employees Friendship Club.
Dave L. Montgomery, Vice-President and General Manager of United Water Services Atlanta presented a $10,000 contribution to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the Care & Conserve Program.
In closing, Mayor Franklin reminded residents that the Atlanta region remains in a drought situation. Conditions warrant continued restrictions on outdoor water use. Current watering restrictions, which are in effect and are enforced, are as follows: NO OUTDOOR WATERING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. AND 10:00 P.M. SEVEN DAYS A WEEK; watering is permitted on an odd/even system (date/address) after 10:00 p.m. and before 10:00 a.m. The State’s Environmental Protection Division will reevaluate this policy later in May and based on an assessment of reservoir and ground water levels at that time may have to move to an even greater level of conservation.
Mayor Franklin encouraged Atlantans to “take advantage of the City’s programs to learn more about ways that you can conserve water. Make it a way of life.”