Chatter

By Mike K.

October 15, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I’ve watched and read numerous reports about the drought and the water issue throughout the year. Why doesn’t any of the media talk about the real issue here-overdevelopment?

By Sparkie

October 15, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Right, you don’t see overdevelopment discussed on the six o’clock news. They are the talking heads. The puppets who tell us only what we are supposed to hear.

By Nathan

October 15, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan

October 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Atlanta Native

October 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

The overdevelopment problem will disappear when employers have to shut down due to lack of water and the employees are laid off. People will eventually move away to somewhere else where they can find work. The rest of us may be a little gamey from taking sponge baths.

By Anthony

October 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Actually, some in the media are starting to talk about over-development as the real issue here. See Bill Shipp’s column; it appeared in last week’s Northside Neighbor: text to be linked

By Nathan

October 15, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan

October 15, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan M.

October 15, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan M.

October 15, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan M.

October 15, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Nathan M.

October 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Agreed, Mike K. We try to conserve at home the best we can (shorter showers being just one of the ways), but what good is our sacrifice if the commerical and industrial sectors in this state aren’t asked to do the same?

One of the main jobs of any government is to balance the interests of all of its constituents. Nobody wants the carwashes and landscapers to go out of business; that would really have an impact on the state’s economy. And if anything, these businesses are probably experts at conserving a resource crucial to their existence. At the same time, why aren’t we cutting down on the waste of water by overdevelopment? Do we need all these extra houses (most of them McMansions)? What’s wrong with the shopping centers we already have? I don’t know about others, but I don’t see a pressing need to continue this pattern of overdevelopment, at least not right now.

So, yes, it’s a tall order for the state government to balance all the interests. But if we, the people, are asked to sacrifice, it should also be equally distributed to business and industry.

By Atlanta Native

October 15, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Nathan, quit hitting the stupid Post button. Thank you.

By where is sonny ?

October 15, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

why isn’t there a statewide code to put water conserving fixtures in all new developments? ask sonny

By common sense

October 15, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I’m surprised no one has suggested curbing demand/consumption by raising prices. Then again, the protections of free market are trumped in the name of some tadpoles in florida.

By Scott

October 15, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Put signs at the Georgia borders….closed due to drought..thanks for visiting. Check back when we have enough water for y’all

By Nathan

October 15, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Apologies for the multiple posts.

By lonnie hicks

October 15, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

I am not up on all residental construction codes but at some point circulation pumps would be a good idea to insure instant hot water at user end. Many gallons of water are wasted waiting on the shower to get hot.

By Soryu

October 15, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Where is Sonny:

Japan I think. But you’ll do much more good by xeriscape than water saving devices in the home. Water used inside eventually is returned to the aquifer or drainage via the sewer system or septic drain lines. Most shrubs and trees in the landscapes in Georgia can take a good deal of drought especially if they are properly mulched. One of the largest users outside is turf grass and even a drought-resistant grass like Bermuda needs regular watering absent rainfall to stay green. Much of this water is lost to evaporation and is not returned to the drainage of aquifer and so this water is lost forever. If new developments were required to use xeriscaped landscapes instead of turf grass and gave established landscape owners a case incentive to replace turf grass with xeriscape (like Southern Nevada does) you’d greatly reduce one of the biggest sources of water use—turf grass irrigation.

By LC

October 15, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

The developers are busy building homes here today. Guess there is no water shortage after all. Think I’ll wash my car.

By Earl

October 15, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived where we had water rations, granted they lasted for only three weeks but that was the longest three weeks of our lives. They did hard shut offs to our homes. You couldn’t cheat, there wasn’t any water to cheat with. We were given a schedule as to when we could bath and flush the toilet. By week three we were ready to move, it was pure hell.

By Noelle

October 15, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’m doing pretty much all I can personally, but it sure seems like a waste of effort when the car wash stalls in my apartment complex were busy all day on Saturday. Seriously, a group of people were apparently running a car wash business out of the place. I’m calling my complex today to ask why the water’s even still on there — it should’ve been cut off weeks ago, at minimum.

By Kat

October 15, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t take long showers in the first place, but I did tell my teenage daughter that when the governor asked citizens to take shorter showers, I’m pretty sure he meant her! He was just too polite to mention her by name.

By lk

October 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

I think baths probably use less water, but it’s harder to recover any of it. I’ve begun putting a pail in the shower while the water warms up and turning the water off while soaping up, shaving my legs etc. Then turning it on to rinse. I don’t have figures but I know I’ve got to be reducing my shower water use dramatically. I’ve also got rain barrels ordered and will be installing those for when we do get rain again. Right now, the shower water alone is allowing me to water all my house plans and out door plans without any additional water usage. After the first frost, I’ll actually have a pretty good surplus of water each day from that activity.

I wish it was easier to recover gray water from sinks, washing machines etc.

More needs to be done to encourage conservation from individuals and to restrict development unless we have the resources (water, roads etc) to support it.

By J.T.

October 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

I’m taking shorter showers using a new low flow shower head. I also keep a bucket in the shower to catch some water to use in the garden. I’ve purchase rain barrels to attach to my gutters so that when it rains I’ll be able to use the water from the downspouts in my garden. I use left over coffee and tea to water potted plants. I keep a small bucket handy to put in the sink and capture water as I wait for it to heat. I use that in the garden as well. It’s really been simple and I envision that I will continue these practices IF we get beyond this problem. I encourage others to do the same.

By GT81

October 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Nathan! You have shattered the ajc.com record! The previous record was 4, and you doubled that with 8. That is gonna be tough to beat.

By where is sonny ?

October 15, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

can anyone imagine what would happen to Atl’s 100 yo infrastructure if there no water pressure in the pipes?

By Jonny

October 15, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Short of being a stinky European, I do better than anyone I know on the water consumption front. My water will shows a consumption of 0-1 CCF’s a month. That’s me showering everyday. That’s also with a water saver shower. I flush every time. That’s with a water saver flush mechanism (they are much improved, no more double flushing!). My point is that I don’t go out of my way to conserve, but I also don’t go out of my way to consume. For those that seem to go out of their way to consume (pool owners, lawn waterers, parents that let their kids run the water for hours), the water company needs to charge at a higher rate. I’m thinking consumers of 20 CCF’s or higher should start paying 5x the rate for those consuming 0-4. In Atlanta we already have a system that discourages high consumption. I only think the discouragement could be a bit harsher in times like these.

By WTF

October 15, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Sonny can kiss my A$$!!!! Until they stop the dayum building of new homes/businesses everywhere, I will not inconvenience my family any more than I have. I don’t water my yard (grass or flowers), and I go to the car wash to wash the car when it gets to the point that I can’t stand it. But until I see more involvement in solving the problem from the elected officials, WHATEVER!!!!!!!!

By jess-me

October 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Showers positively require less water than a tub bath. I’ve actually reverted to a bathing method used in the early 1900’s: Begin with a basin of clean water. Using a cloth, wash your face first, working your way as far down as possible. Then start at your feet and legs and wash as far up as possible. When that’s accomplished, WASH POSSIBLE. You’ll feel clean and refreshed and use a minimum amount of water.

By bmm

October 15, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

So overdevelopment may be a problem, but people moving to our city and region is not a bad thing. It is a sign that the economy is good here and that we live in a nice place to live. Maybe the real issue is the lack of our government officials to plan for the steady growth we have experienced since early 1990s (and really since the 1970s). The water problems are indicative of a lack of planning in general (whether it is the lack of adequate reservoirs or lack of adequate transportation options, which is an embarrassment given that we are one of the nation’s most booming metropolitan regions). Also, the amount of water the Army Corps of Engineers drains out of our reservoirs each day is a shame, particularly given that all those gallons are not needed as badly downstream (I saw a news segment where people in Alabama were washing lawns and cars from Chatahoochee river water, and why not since the water is there for them)!

By jess-me

October 15, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Showers positively require less water than a tub bath. I’ve actually reverted to a bathing method used in the early 1900’s: Begin with a basin of clean water. Using a cloth, wash your face first, working your way as far down as possible. Then start at your feet and legs and wash as far up as possible. When that’s accomplished, WASH POSSIBLE. You’ll feel clean and refreshed and use a minimum amount of water.

By Jim

October 15, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Where is the leadership in this state? Why haven’t we heard directly from the Governor on this issue — instead of the appointed heads of agencies. Why don’t we have a Plan “B” instead of hoping for more rain.

By Toopster

October 15, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Yes, shorter showers, have moved to washing hair every other day, use of dehumidifiers in the summer and use the water it collects in my garden. Also use leftover coffee and tea water in plants, and collect water that I’m waiting to heat from faucet in a bucket. However, I will say that the building down here has been crazy, we’ve exploded the metro atlanta area all while tying into the same water source, the same sewer systems, and keeping the highways at 3 lanes.

This issue is much bigger than traffic. We are paying the price for years of overdevelopment.

By Chad

October 15, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

What is ridiculous is the fact nobody is talking about solutions. In Aruba, they have the safest drinking water in the world - they use a desalination process and tap the vast resources of the ocean. We are a coastal state and should take advantage of this technology and process - as should Florida. This whole thing is utterly ridiculous.

By Brian

October 15, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Common sense… It is not our fault that our local government has permitted the clear cutting developers to build as many strip malls and cluster townhomes as they have pleased for the past 20 some years. Droughts are part of nature and we should have enough water to ensure we survive the drought, that is what a we have reserves for. Everyday more and more buildings are being built, what about ten years from now, give me a break. Cut the permits down to zero and we will have more water in the lakes in the future.

By Brother Bill

October 15, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

A huge use of water is from consuming animal products. It takes 5000 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef. So go vegan if you really want to conserve water. As a side effect, you’ll be much healthier to boot.

By greg

October 15, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I just attended the Echo Project. Didn’t take a shower for 4 days. I made up for it by taking a 10 minute shower when I returned last night. :-)

By gafarmer

October 15, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Absolutely the best set of comments on water usage I’ve ever read.

There are a series of townhall meetings to gather public comment on the Georgia Water Plan in progress today and the rest of this week.

Go to the Department of Natural Resources website to find the meeting most convenient to you. ATTEND and COMMENT!!!!!

By relevant?

October 15, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Since we’re talking about conserving LOCAL water during a LOCAL crisis, the vegan argument is a little specious. It’s based on corn production and consumption, and since most corn is grown in the midwest, and most beef cattle are raised in the west, not eating beef is going to have about as much impact on our water usage as not buying gas for a day is going to hurt the oil industry.

But hey - keep grinding those personal axes. That helps!

By stop playing water games

October 15, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

There is enough water flowing thru the rivers in Atlanta to meet our water needs. The Fed Corps of Engineers are mis-managing the amount of water going down stream. This is a waste of resoures and what for. Is it political. Is there a desire to see the people in Atlanta die of thrist while Alabama and Florida wash cars and water lawn and fish and 30 endangered clams soak in billions of gallons of water that then pours into the ocean.

By the real problem

October 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

The governor addressed one of the problems yesterday. Release of water by Corps of Engineers. Left out two others: Georgia Power generating and the archaic ritual of letting lakes down in the winter. While overdevelopment caused ga power to generate more, you people spouting overdevelopment are probably living in new houses and are part of the problem. Everybody jumps on the bandwagon when things get touch. Bottom line: water sustains life, everything else is a luxury. Somebody fix it.

By JC

October 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Mike K., So what is your solution to the ‘hyper over-development’? Sounds like another case of wanting to have your cake and eat it too. If you shut down building permits, then the job growth will quickly go to another city that is pro-growth. You are either growing or shrinking, if we shut down, Atlanta does stand pat, it will shrink. If we start shrinking, we lose jobs and we have less people to pay more bills. Then the city falls (even further) into disrepair, like what happened to Pittsburgh and Detroit. Atlanta is generating high paying jobs that are generating a disproportionately high portion of the tax revenues for all of Georgia. This situation has been brought on a failure of the Georgia legislature to tackle tough problems. The state failed to build another large reservoir years ago when they could have at a much more reasonable cost than we’re facing today. Almost every other mid-tier city in the country has significant greater reservoir resources per capita because they made plans to handle it along the way. Georgia legislature instead choose to stick their heads in the sand and let this become a future generation’s problem. We’ll get through this drought and this will be forgotten quickly. While this should be a shot across the bow to take action for the future of Atlanta/Georgia, it will be pushed off again, imperiling future residents when the next drought happens.

I went over to the Chattahoochee River Park on Friday morning for a run. I couldn’t believe what I saw, the Chattahoochee was nearly as high as I’ve ever seen it, cresting the banks. For the Corps to be releasing that volume of water every day is beyond foolish, unless someone is overstating the problem (and that doesn’t seem to be the case by the looks of the lake levels at Lanier and Altoona.

By J Thompson

October 15, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

MARTA is watering at the Lindburg station. The plantings are not new and I saw the wet sidewalks/plants at 6:45 am today, October 15th.

By Nonia

October 15, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I have a green bermuda lawn and haven’t watered it since the house was built in 2000! The shrubs haven’t been watered either since 2000! My theory is if God keeps the trees and grass green on the sides of the highways without humans watering them then why should I spend money and waste natural resources watering my lawn and it is just as green! I have been for the last 2 months showering while standing in a large garbage pail and using this “gray water” to flush the toilets with. I have buckets to capture the waste water from my washing machine and buckets outside to capture the AC condensation, if and when it warms up enough to run the AC. I fault the Army Corp. of Engineers and state officials for allowing this to happen. The laws on the books here in Georgia are laws that were on the books when Atlanta was a small country city and the suburbs were farms and plantations! Nothing has been done to revise the laws and this is what happens, first it was the traffic problems, now it’s our water supply! Whats next? Well i’m not sticking around to find out, I am putting the house on the market and moving to Seattle, Texas or Oregon where this is less of an issue at least for the rest of my life on earth. The ENTIRE ATLANTA METRO AREA economy will come to it’s knees-yes a screeching halt when you turn the faucets on and nothing comes out!-Govenor Perdue needs to declare a State of an Emergency RIGHT NOW!!! How can we trust the Army Corp. OF Engineers when we see they obviously aren’t very intelligent-just look at the levees they designed for New Orleans that were expected to hold up during hurricane Katrina!!! Alabama isn’t currently and haven’t been under water restrictions-they are still watering their lawns ans washing their cars in their driveways while we may not have water to even drink around Christmas of this year!

By Donald

October 15, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Amid all reporting and all the consternation, all the WSB and all the AJC, no one asks Isakson and Chambliss why they are so silent. Why have they not LOUDLY screamed for the termination of the Interim Operating Plan and the Corps of Engineers cessation of dumping our reservoirs? Am I missing something? USFWS and the Corps ARE NOT GOD.

By Brother Bill

October 15, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I can tell you that there is livestock in Georgia. This includes chickens, pigs, cattle as well as slaughterhouses (meat packing plants). Animals, including humans, need huge amounts of water to produce each pound of flesh. So going vegan is definitely a way to reduce water consumption.

By AM

October 15, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

The unbridled growth continues - strip malls, condos, crammed in housing. Then we have illegals that are using our resources. Where is the leadership? Where is the commons sense. We had this same problem about 5 years ago. No leadership in that time frame, just business as usual and now the homeowner are the one having to suffer. People are talking of raising the price of water? How could that possibly help when the building and overpopulation continues. Where is the common sense??

By Parched in Cumming

October 15, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Water Games is the only poster here sharing my own viewpoint…

The water is in the river, and is moving southbound at a pretty good clip. To scream at one another to avoid using it is downright pointless. All the water you “save” is still where? In the river, leaving your region behind. The only exceptions are those water customers in Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, Dawson, and above. Water saved there remains in the lake.

Yell at the Corps of Engineers. The only possible water conservation for Atlanta lies behind that dam.

By GS

October 15, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

**Isn’t it amazing how most of the people commenting are saying the same thing—-STOP THE OVER DEVELOPING!!! “We the people” are “suppose” to be who they represent, but that hasn’t been the case in some time now — they don’t hear us. Why should I conserve water when the commissioners in the metro area continue adding condos/apartments/houses 3 feet apart on the same water system that was deficient years ago?

By GS

October 15, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it amazing how most of the people commenting are saying the same thing—-STOP THE OVER DEVELOPING!!! “We the people” are “suppose” to be who they represent, but that hasn’t been the case in some time now — they don’t hear us. Why should I conserve water when the commissioners in the metro area continue adding condos/apartments/houses 3 feet apart on the same water system that was deficient years ago?

By GS

October 15, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it amazing how most of the people commenting are saying the same thing—-STOP THE OVER DEVELOPING!!! “We the people” are “suppose” to be who they represent, but that hasn’t been the case in some time now — they don’t hear us. Why should I conserve water when the commissioners in the metro area continue adding condos/apartments/houses 3 feet apart on the same water system that was deficient years ago?

By Donald

October 15, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

WHY OVERDEVELOPMENT? Try a fat tax base, lots of money to spend - makes me a big, fat, politician. I look like Huey Long; I can dole out political favors ‘cause I got lotsa’ tax money and many fat contracts. Pay to keep me in office, and I’ll make you rich. You’ll be a fat, red-neck Bubba, just like me and the rest of the Georgia Legislature.

By Pandora

October 15, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I honestly believe that before the State of Georgia started those water restrictions for private homes, they should have had those restrictions for cooperations, churches and other places of business. It isn’t good for the ozone at all. Dry grass = fire hazard!

No I’m not cutting back anymore with my personal water use inside my house especially since I can’t even water my yard or plants! I refuse to do so! I have always conserved water and I’m not cutting back anymore than I ordinarily have.

By inferno

October 15, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Send the 3 million illegals back over the border and we’ll have enough water for the US citizens.

By inferno

October 15, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Send the 3 million illegals here in Georgia back over the border and we’ll have enough water for the US citizens.

By Jane

October 15, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Overpopulation. If there are fewer people, fewer houses and businesses need to be built. Fewer houses and businesses mean less water use, less energy use over all. A global issue, yes; but we can act locally, like in our bedrooms, at in vitro fertilization clinics, etc. This issue is difficult for governments to address, so it is up to us, the voters, the citizens, to take action (or not act, as the case may be) and hopefully our leaders will follow.

By Donald

October 15, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

‘Parched’ nailed it; all the water the Metro area should concern itself with is that flowing south from Sidney Lanier Dam, and that is the water that your elected ones in Washington sit idly by and allow to flow. Until Washington instructs the Corps to turn off the spigot, you will watch the last drop disappear down the river. It is WAY beyond the point to RAISE HELL !!! Everyone in this state should get on Isakson and Chambliss like white on rice, and not let up. When it finally occurrs to these half-wits that they’re playing political suicide, they’ll dance.

By JC

October 15, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

GS, you’ll be the same person screaming about the increasing taxes and general lack of affordability if they limit/stop building permits. Atlanta is adding in population a city the size of Charleston each year. If that growth doesn’t come here, it goes elsewhere. And then the people chasing the opportunity leave Atlanta for the places that are embracing job growth. Less people to pay the same amount of bills = quick acceleration is tax rates. While people love to scream about Atlanta is too big, too many people, they better be careful what they wish for, the result of stopping that growth spigot is a significant higher cost of living for those left behind and fewer jobs to pay those higher bills.

By AV8R

October 15, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

There needs to be a very large impact fee for new developement, to fund a new water source. Anyone with a brain can look at the lakes and streams in the area and see that we’re in big trouble, how we got there is not nearly as important as how we’ll get out.

By Koz

October 15, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I took 2 showers yesterday

By AM

October 15, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

JC - I’ve lived here in Atlanta for over 30 years - when the population was less the quality of life was better and the cost of living was less. So exactly how do you figure your comment. If the people went somewhere else, common sense would dictate, that our resources usage would be less and with less people - more supply vs less demand would be less making the cost less not more. Where is the leadership?? Where is the common sense??

By Get Real

October 15, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I am all for conservation. I watered only one day in the past six months when my yard was dying this summer. With that said, I believe that the Governor needs to take the following actions.
First, the Governor should tell the Corp to shut the valve on the damn or we can shut it for them. This will ensure that we can get through the normally dry fall.
Second, we should institute heavy fines for watering ($1,000 for the first offense) in excess of what is allowed and allow our police to issue the citations (when the water departments are closed).
Third, we should be removing as much silt as possible from the dry lake beds to allow more storage later. Fourth, we need to look at where we can work with the Corp to add more dams. Fifth, we need to look at how we can cut water consumption in Georgia from a business perspective (while not impairing business). Sixth, if the Governor fails to act like a leader, then we need a recall election.

By Jeff

October 15, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Florida, Alabama and the endangered clams down stream should be just as restricted as Atlanta Metro in water use. Why should more water be sent down stream then mother nature would allow during this kind of drought at the expense of Atlanta Metro making all the sacrifice. Atlanta Metro should have more importance when it comes to water. This is one of America’s major cities. I hope the Corps of Engineers are not trying to create another Katrina. They can stop this. Just stop sending so much water down stream to the ocean. What are they trying to prove?

By Koz

October 15, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Jeff, Actually they’d have to release a whole lot more water to create another Katrina.

By cara

October 15, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Why can’t we suck some water from the ocean and bring it inland?

By Jeff

October 15, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Koz,@1:37 What I meant is do the Corps of Engineers want to create another disaster in another major U S city; this time by holding back drinking water.

By Robert

October 15, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Start by taking Navy showers to conserve water. The state government should start a powerful public awareness publicity campaign through ALL media. Too many folks are unaware of the current water situation.

By Disgusted

October 15, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Why do we continue to supply water to Florida and Alabama when we are in such dire straits here? Someone please explain this to me.

By Disgusted

October 15, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Why do we continue to supply water to Florida and Alabama when we are in such dire straits here? Someone please explain this to me.

By Gerald

October 15, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

First of all north Georgians, get your facts together. Virtually EVERY city in Alabama except Mobile which has seen decent rains this year have enacted numerous water rationing plans. Even here in Dothan, the odd/even schedule for lawn watering which runs from May 1st to October 31st, will continue until further notice. Further north, the situation is much dire. All of northern Alabama cities have enacted major rationing programs so get yoru facts checked.

Atlanta WILL run out of water next year, you can bank on it. Your developers massive greed has now overtaken the resources needed to sustain that sprawl and now its time to face the consequences for your incompetence. But know this, Alabama and Florida WILL GET ITS WATER!

By Van

October 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I won’t even bring my car through the automatic car wash at this point. However, if it rains this week like they are predicting I will be out there in the driveway washing it in the rain.

By Bob from Accountttemps

October 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Get Real, When you refer to the govnuh, you talking about Sonny Perduenothing?? What tremendous leadership! He waits until we hit crisis and then decides to act. A true leader plans for problems before they become critical. It’s not like this happened overnight. Why did he let the Corps drain more than was coming in? Downstream should suffer with the rest of us.

By Disgusted

October 15, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Gerald…..you are the personification of greed.

By Van

October 15, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

To cara:

“Why can’t we suck some water from the ocean and bring it inland?”

Because that would take money away from the Iraq war, and people would not want to pay an additional water tax to fund it. Also, it might cut into the monthly budget for lottery tickets.

By southern hope

October 15, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

GT81, too hilarious! Yes, Nathan - through his 8 replies - has set a new standard that even an olympian would fear to take on! LOL

(nathan, don’t feel too badly…until I caught onto the slow system, I would sometimes post items 2 & 3 times….not at your level but close!)

By Cabin Shower

October 15, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I know there are many theories on the real cause of the problem, but my main concern is what can I, as an individual do? My attitude is that every little bit counts. We are letting our landscape dry up of course, and I’m proud of my dusty, dusty car. Clothes that are clean and non-smelly after a wearing are being worn again before they are washed. My mother owns a vacation home in the north Georgia mountains. It is in an area with a shared well and a poor pump, so water must be used carefully. The entire extended family uses it, and takes what we all call “cabin showers,” meaning that we turn off the water when doing anything except wetting down and rinsing, and we make it as short as possible. Also, we follow the yellow/brown rules with the toilet up there. I’ve been thinking of implementing “cabin rules” at home, no matter how loudly my 17-year-old howls! I’m also bathing my dogs with baby-wipes!

By lovelyliz

October 15, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I’ve given up may lawn, vegetable garden and having a clean car already.

By Nonia

October 15, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I have a green bermuda lawn and haven’t watered it since the house was built in 2000! The shrubs haven’t been watered either since 2000! My theory is if God keeps the trees and grass green on the sides of the highways without humans watering them then why should I spend money and waste natural resources watering my lawn and it is just as green! Watching the news and to see people still are watering their grass is absolutely beyond me-these are the same people that are going to cry foul when they turn on the faucets or flush the toilet and nothing happens! I have been for the last 2 months showering while standing in a large garbage pail and using this “gray water” to flush the toilets with. I have buckets to capture the waste water from my washing machine and buckets outside to capture the AC condensation, if and when it warms up enough to run the AC. I fault the Army Corp. of Engineers and state officials for allowing this to happen. The laws on the books here in Georgia are laws that were on the books when Atlanta was a small country city and the suburbs were farms and plantations! Nothing has been done to revise the laws and this is what happens, first it was the traffic problems, now it’s our water supply! Whats next? Well i’m not sticking around to find out, I am putting the house on the market and moving to Seattle, Texas or Oregon where this is less of an issue at least for the rest of my life on earth. The ENTIRE ATLANTA METRO AREA economy will come to it’s knees-yes a screeching halt when you turn the faucets on and nothing comes out! Restaurants and local companies will be forced to close by the Health Department because of unsanitary conditions and Hotels will close because of the same reasons-The Power Plants that rely on water in the Chatahoochee to supply power to Atlanta-I used to work for Georgia Power and they may be able to shift more power production to their nuclear plants away from plants dependent on water-it is going to be ugly folks. This is sure to cause a local recession, then the crime goes up when you have desperate family’s that have no job to go to in addition to higher taxes for those that stay to overcompensate for the loss of tax revenue-yes it is about to get ugly!-Govenor Perdue needs to declare a State of an Emergency RIGHT NOW!!! How can we trust the Army Corp. OF Engineers when we see they obviously aren’t very intelligent-just look at the levees they designed for New Orleans that were expected to hold up during hurricane Katrina!!! Alabama isn’t currently and haven’t been under water restrictions-they are still watering their lawns and washing their cars in their driveways while we may not have water to even drink around Christmas of this year! Once these lakes dry up-THERE IS NO WATER PERIOD! We need to have water desalination plants down on the coast of Savannah and the pipelines to get it here. We need to stop supplying other states with water and let them be responsible for providing their own solutions. I think even if a Goverment mandated halt to sending water to other states is issued, I problem will still be unresolved because of the amount of overdevelopment that has and still is occuring. I would love to know who was the braniac that thought 2 0r 3 of our lakes would be sufficient to supply well over 6 million people, places of business, and 2 additional states, water? All of this is abolutely ridiculous! The Govenor needs to get his * on TV and address these concerns in a State Address or hold a TownHall meeting! We need the EPA folks from Washington, DC here on TV or through CNN to provide some answers/solutions!

By Bob from Accounttemps

October 15, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Yes, every little bit helps, but I’ll be darned if I’m going to do the disgusting yellow/brown deal especially when I see continued residential and commercial watering and waste. There doesn’t seem to be much enforcement in my area, but then again, how can the Sandy Springs cops be expected to do anything useful when they’re so busy manning speed traps and writing revenue tickets for the City coffers?

By Nonia

October 15, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

I have a green bermuda lawn and haven’t watered it since the house was built in 2000! The shrubs haven’t been watered either since 2000! My theory is if God keeps the trees and grass green on the sides of the highways without humans watering them then why should I spend money and waste natural resources watering my lawn and it is just as green! Watching the news and to see people still are watering their grass is absolutely beyond me-these are the same people that are going to cry foul when they turn on the faucets or flush the toilet and nothing happens! I have been for the last 2 months showering while standing in a large garbage pail and using this “gray water” to flush the toilets with. I have buckets to capture the waste water from my washing machine and buckets outside to capture the AC condensation, if and when it warms up enough to run the AC. I fault the Army Corp. of Engineers and state officials for allowing this to happen. The laws on the books here in Georgia are laws that were on the books when Atlanta was a small country city and the suburbs were farms and plantations! Nothing has been done to revise the laws and this is what happens, first it was the traffic problems, now it’s our water supply! Whats next? Well i’m not sticking around to find out, I am putting the house on the market and moving to Seattle, Texas or Oregon where this is less of an issue at least for the rest of my life on earth. The ENTIRE ATLANTA METRO AREA economy will come to it’s knees-yes a screeching halt when you turn the faucets on and nothing comes out! Restaurants and local companies will be forced to close by the Health Department because of unsanitary conditions and Hotels will close because of the same reasons-The Power Plants that rely on water in the Chatahoochee to supply power to Atlanta-I used to work for Georgia Power and they may be able to shift more power production to their nuclear plants away from plants dependent on water-it is going to be ugly folks. This is sure to cause a local recession, then the crime goes up when you have desperate family’s that have no job to go to in addition to higher taxes for those that stay to overcompensate for the loss of tax revenue-yes it is about to get ugly!-Govenor Perdue needs to declare a State of an Emergency RIGHT NOW!!! How can we trust the Army Corp. OF Engineers when we see they obviously aren’t very intelligent-just look at the levees they designed for New Orleans that were expected to hold up during hurricane Katrina!!! Alabama isn’t currently and haven’t been under water restrictions-they are still watering their lawns and washing their cars in their driveways while we may not have water to even drink around Christmas of this year! Once these lakes dry up-THERE IS NO WATER PERIOD! We need to have water desalination plants down on the coast of Savannah and the pipelines to get it here. We need to stop supplying other states with water and let them be responsible for providing their own solutions. I think even if a Goverment mandated halt to sending water to other states is issued, I problem will still be unresolved because of the amount of overdevelopment that has and still is occuring. I would love to know who was the braniac that thought 2 0r 3 of our lakes would be sufficient to supply well over 6 million people, places of business, and 2 additional states, water? All of this is abolutely ridiculous! The Govenor needs to get his * on TV and address these concerns in a State Address or hold a TownHall meeting! We need the EPA folks from Washington, DC here on TV or through CNN to provide some answers/solutions!

By Tim

October 15, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Use #1 at least twice before flush, take shorter showers, cut off water when brushing teeth. Don’t fill tub. Use less at kichen sink. Drink and cook with bottled water.Conserve;This is serious.

By Jane

October 15, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Bob, your attitude is part of the problem. One person can make a difference, especially if you also encourage those around you to take steps to curb their water and overall resource use. The yellow/brown thing isn’t gross if you close the lid.

I’ve been taking “cabin showers” for years and I’ve lived in downtown Atl my whole life.

By jack

October 15, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I’ll start taking shorter showers when morons like Nathan quit hitting the post button over and over again. Think of how much water is must take to have his mom wash her face over and over again after crying about her idiot son !!!!!

By jack

October 15, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I’ll start taking shorter showers when morons like Nathan quit hitting the post button over and over again. Think of how much water is must take to have his mom wash her face over and over again after crying about her idiot son !!!!!

By Brian

October 15, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Why conserve when the new town home development down the street has been running sprinklers, because they are exempt from the restrictions, it is new landscaping. WTF? I am writing this email in the shower right now, screw the government, they let this happen with over development.

By Cabin Shower

October 15, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Nice little bit of irony there Jack.

By George

October 15, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Conservation is good but with the faucet wide open on Lake Lanier to save the fish in Florida, the lake will still run dry even if we totally stop using water now.

Conservation only makes sense if we have something to conserve.

Write your Gov and Senators supporting their efforts to have the USACE release reasonable amounts of water down the Chatt. river.

By R

October 15, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

That was funny.

By Atticus

October 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

If the Army Corps of Engineers is letting the same amount of water release from Lanier each day, what effect will conservation have in the areas served by that lake? If we use less, that just means mod=re water down stream, right?

By rkquiet

October 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

There are 6,800 homes in foreclosure, and builders are still building McMansions? Come on, wake up, the entire area is being overdeveloped. I drive 18 miles to work one way. I have to go past 3 Super-Walmarts all built within the last 3 years. More strip malls than I can count, and new ones going up every day, some on TWO lane roads that can’t handle any more traffic now! Save the Greater Atlanta area, and close our borders, stop new construction for 12 months and see what happens.

By Bob from Accounttemps

October 15, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Jane, I don’t have an attitude concerning the situation and absolutely do not waste water. I NEVER water my lawn and like Nonia points out (twice), my lawn does just fine. But it’s tough to keep from being just a bit cynical when you see outdoor watering still going on months into a drought. My family’s water use doesn’t amount to a gnat on a pig compared to the shameful waste that still goes on every day. The Stone Mountain attraction is just one example- whoever thought that was acceptable should be fired! And until a week later, they still defended their position. Continue to take your “French Baths” if it makes you feel better. But aim your anger at the bureaurats who failed and continue to fail to act to curtail the waste that is still evident months into this.

By Southern Born

October 15, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I think I see a case of the pot calling the kettle Jack.

By the real truth

October 15, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

gwinnett needs to shut down their covered pools and watering they are doing

By Tim

October 15, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Can we sue our county government for getting us into this situation in the first place? STOP allowing more new subdivisions from being built when we have no plan on how we are going to support the growth with limited resources. Stop the commercial entities that feel it is so important to make the grass in front of their business that much greener than the rest of us.

If my property values are in jeapordy because I can not maintain my lawn and trees and shrubs properly, BECAUSE of the exploding growth and inability to control the commercail development, I should also be compensated, don’t you think?

I was driving on Brown Rd by Discover Mills the other day, next to the new Homewood Suites, 6:30 in the evening. That little two foot wide strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street looked so nice and full and green. And there was so much water being sprayed all over the sidewalk and the street by all the automatic sprinklers. It disgusted me and made me angry! I saw the saem thig in front of Chic Fil A at Satellite and Sugarloaf one night. the entire street was flooded. When I drove by, the water was spraying so powerfully out of thise sprinklers, my van got soaked. I went back by two hours laterm and the sprinklers were still on!!

I think we should stop allowing further building permits for the developers until a new plan is in place to take care of this shortage. And agressively go after the commercial entities that are still wasting water on their flowers.

By dex

October 15, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

As long as greedy counties allow even more greedy developers to overbuild large homes in mega subdivisions for people that can’t afford them we will continue to have water problems no matter how fast I shower.

By jddawg37

October 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I agree with lonnie…I waste more water waiting for hot water than the total bath itself. I also don’t need 1.3 gallons of water to wash away my 2/3 cup of urine.

By Steve Bistritz

October 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I am not only taking shorter showers, but I have found another way to conserve water while taking a shower. Since I wash my hair every day, I found that I can apply suds into my hair and then turn off the water while I scrub the shampoo into my hair. I have found that I save approximately 90 seconds per day of water use with that specific initiative. While that might not sound like a lot, taken over a year it is like turning off the water for more than 9 hours per year!

By Connie

October 15, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I am originally from SOuthern California, thought I haven’t lived there for almost 20 years now. You want to talk about an area of the country never meant to sustain the population that it does? Southern California was devloped on a coastal desert! Had the development stopped there? No! The development will not stop here either. “If you build it, they will buy” is still the thought of the day.

There has been no long-term planning for water consumtion in the area as there has been no long-term planning for any of the other infrastructure here (roads, sewers, mass-transit, etc.).

While water conservation is imperative in the short-term, our leadership at the state level needs to get their heads out of their collective rear-ends and wake up to the fact they need to do something and they need to do it YESTERDAY.

Hold them accountable in the next election!

By Lily Toad

October 15, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Turn off those *&$%# automatic flushing toilets. Think of all the water being wasted at the airport and other places when the toilets flush three times when one is in the stall.

By George

October 15, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Conserve yes.. but turn off the open faucet from Lake Lanier NOW.

Atlanta will be as much as a disaster without water as New Orlease was with too much.. It will be uninhabitable if we have another, as forecast, dry winter.

If we stop releasing extra water (and it’s a lot) for the relatively less important needs downstream (as compared to a metro area of 4 million)… we have a chance of surviving this drought.

By bilder

October 15, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Long term planning by our government for the infrastructure remains to be the main problem. As someone said before, growth and people moving here is a good thing. It also supports many other jobs, professional and trades, that will go away if a moratorium is placed on all development and permitting. The delevopment also supports our tax base. We all have to become better stewards of our natural resources not just water. Stopping growth is not the answer. Planning for it long term will help.

By Bob from Accounttemps

October 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Steve/jddawg37, Reading your two posts, I just had a great idea. Take a golden shower!! No waste (well, not figuratively).

Hey, I’m all for individual contribution, but as a number of posters point out, all your efforts to save 90 seconds goes down the sewer when the other business establishments continue to water their sidewalks and feed the drains. Just making people cognizant of the situation is half the battle in order to get people to at least think about it. But, again, irresponsible use has to stop before we can (or should have to) engage in more responsible use.

By Aubrey

October 15, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Many folks have argued that overdevelopment is not at fault because it isn’t actually overdevelopment. “People who come here need a place to live”. Well…I invite them to buy one of the 109,262 on the market in atlanta today. Thank you metrobrokers.com for that statistic. There are places standing empty waiting for a new owner. We do not need to continue building. Also, I’m seeing tons of half empty shopping centers with land being cleared right next to them for more. Fill up what is already built!

By itsme

October 15, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I have a huge, 50-year-old American beech tree in my yard. I never water grass, and use gray water on flowers, but when the tree began to show drought stress this summer, I installed 150 feet of soaker hose under the tree. I have not cheated since the total ban was announced, although I should. If this tree dies, I and my neighbors lose not just the beauty of the tree, but the benefit to the environment. The air will be dirtier, our houses will be hotter (resulting in more electric usage), there will be nothing to stop erosion. The loss of trees contributes to the lack of rainfall. Atlanta has never understood the importance of our tree canopy. A water management strategy that does not include care of mature trees is very short-sighted!

By Jay

October 15, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

We need to be just as loud about the Corps of Engineers letting good water drain from our lakes and go wasted down stream as we did about the snow mountain in stone mountain. Let start to protest that the Corps turn down that faucet.

By Jay

October 15, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I was told that we also supply some parts of Florida with water. Is this true?? How can we do that in spite of what is happening?

By ellen

October 15, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

brother bill, it does not take 5000 gallons of water to produce a lb of beef. If everyone went vegan, there would be a shortage of plants, think things through….

By ellen

October 15, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

brother bill, it does not take 5000 gallons of water to produce a lb of beef. If everyone went vegan, there would be a shortage of plants, think things through….

By RomanDawg

October 15, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

I quit showering alone, I pee in my neighbors yard, and I take of the “paperwork” when I get to the office.

By Stephanie

October 15, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I think a lot of the postings are great - i love all the ideas and take comfort and people doing their part.

What gets me is when people don’t like what other people are doing (or are not doing)and so decide they don’t need to do anything themselves. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Do what you can…every little bit helps!

By notunderstanding

October 15, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Florida is surrounded by water yet we are pumping our lakes dry to get water to them. Are people in Florida to stupid to come up with a plan to utilize all that gulf and ocean water? And if we’re in a water crisis, why are we supplying Alabama as well? We pay Georgia taxes. Take care of Georgia first THEN if anything (water!) is left, sure share.

By JC

October 15, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Alright, clearly a little basic economics lesson is needed here. No more development = Lots of unemployed framers, plumbers, electricians, land graders, sheetrock installers, bricklayers, architects, developers, mortgage brokers, bank lending officers, city planners, city permit inspectors, etc. Many of these people will go elsewhere to regions that do encourage growth. So when all these workers go unemployed or leave , they stop spending money, more unemployed restaurant workers, bankers, convenience store clerks, pharmaceutical reps, doctors, etc. Business have a difficult time recruiting new employees, college graduates look to new areas for employment opportunities, our youth look elsewhere to find an opportunity to establish a career. Companies relocate to pro-growth markets, more jobs lost. Higher paying jobs are dependent on thriving economies, without the thriving economies, they seek other markets that are thriving like Dallas or Phoenix. Bottom line is that a city is either growing or in decline. You can’t go back to yesterday (as AM implied at 1:38 p.m post). All the infrastructure has been built to accommodate the 6.5 people here, now it must at least be maintained. Look at Detroit and Pittsburgh or even the small towns here in Georgia. Do college grads look at these places to go establish their careers? It what they call the ‘brain drain’ when you can’t even retain your future promising youth. No offense to Fitzgerald, GA but when you graduate from college where are the highest odds of landing a good paying job with promising career growth? It’s not in Fitzgerald, or at least not for more than a few people.

Atlanta is going to continue to grow because the city leaders know this dynamic and are looking out for the well being of a city to maintain the growth. Where they have failed miserably is when they pushed the problem off onto future generations, thinking that we would never have a drought of this magnitude that would end of affecting them. We need to solve this problem from ever happening again by biting the bullet now and taking whatever measures are necessary to establish more water supplies going forward, whether it is creating a new Lanier-type reservoir, desalination plants, arrangements with either the Savannah or Tennessee River authorities or whatever. Either way, we’re seeing a glimpse of the future here.

By back in GA again

October 15, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

As a recently returned GA resident, I want to know why dramatic water restrictions weren’t imposed in the spring when it became obvious that the rainfall deficit was not being made up. Secondly, how can allowing a resident to water from 12 am to 10 am on Saturday or Sunday encourage any conservation? It’s stupid and only encourages drowned grass. If any outside watering is permitted it should be from 4-6 am every other day by street number, no Sundays. And why don’t people pony up the ten bucks a rain gauge will cost them and shut off the sprinklers once you hit your needed inches per week? Oh, that’s right, it would require effort. And, take your car to a car wash which recaptures the water. But, then you couldn’t stand in your driveway drinking beer and hitting everything that didn’t escape with the power sprayer.

When we lived in Fayetteville, NC we had a household meter and an irrigation (outside water service) meter. The meters were charged at different rates. Such a system would allow the water providers to really stick it to outside water use, or just turning all those meters off, while graduating the rates on interior use. How much have our water utilites done to entice conservation? Do any of them give rebates for water conserving fixtures or appliances? How about this, don’t permit anymore water meters or wells. If a lot has an existing meter or potable well, fine and dandy. Let the redevelopment begin.

After living in areas with mandatory, draconian, near facsist water conservation regulations, the excessive and lackadaisical use I’ve seen here in metro Atlanta in the midst of a truly historic drought is stomach turning, especially knowing how far behind the area is in rainfall. Conserve all you can, but please, sponge bathers, wash the jiggly bits daily.

By t

October 15, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I feel better about peeing in the shower now. I’m conserving water.

By bilder

October 15, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks JC. It’s good to see that someone understands how our economy works.

By That Girl

October 15, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

How much water does Atlanta Aquarium use daily? Does anyone know how much water is being used by swimming pools? maybe we should stop the installation of private pools and stop the sale of those wasteful kiddie pools that only last a season?

I’d like to know the top 20 users of water? Does anybody know?
Just some questions I have.

By confused

October 15, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Everything mentioned certainly has impact. But it does not matter how much we conserve if all the water is ultimately shipped downstream to support that purple headed warrior and the bearded clam. This is and the drought is the ultimate reason for our troubles. The idiotic tree huggers and the army corp of engineers are in the process of creating one huge disaster. Do not blame growth.

By Parched in Cumming

October 15, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I’m stumped. Most everyone posting here talk about “every little bit helps” or “it’s all due to overdevelopment”. Natch.

“Every little bit” only helps if the water you don’t use remains behind to be used later. Not the case with river withdrawals.

“Overdevelopment” is the culprit only if the water supply is threatened by demand… not the case for metro Atlanta right now. If the river was allowed to naturally reduce to match the climate conditions, the giant drinking water tank (Lake Lanier) would supply far more demand than we all could ask.

Unfortunately for us all, those job-secure government employees operating Buford Dam from their offices in Mobile, AL are intent upon manipulating nature to suit their own agenda.

By puzzled

October 15, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Uncontrolled development, unchecked legal and illegal immigration, never ending “entitlements”, priorities misaligned (Florida mussels over human needs) and general mismanagement are painfully apparent. What are out political leaders doing for us? Other than taking more and more of my income; not much at all. I’ve had it.

By Soryu

October 15, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Brother Bill:

If you are so concerned, you could always kill yourself—who knows how much water that could save, not to mention the impact on CO2, and a host of other environmental impacts you no doubt cause…but before you go please talk in as many of your vegan pals to go with you, the more the merrier…and more water for the rest of us.

By RWH

October 15, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

I am not at all supprise that a water shortage has hit this region. Sad, but it was coming. We all now do not know what our water usage will be like. Mostly residentials homes are hit the hardest and; it would be uncomfort to say that there should have been other sources of getting water into this state. When water is drained into another state; it quickly dry up and therefore, even if it rains, it would not fill up any of the lakes. We do not need for anyone to take matters into their own hands by continuing to waste and use water unnecessaryly. Water is being waste with all of the broken pipes and there is not rush to repare them. One thing I do know is…people better start stocking up on water for the their family use.

By mr. clean

October 15, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

I shower 3 times a day, every day. I also wash my cars a lot, and run my sprinkler system as I please.

By Eric

October 15, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

I agree. Building permits must be halted if we can sustain our current population. Why can’t people relocate to Birmingham or Nashville, which have stronger watersheds?

By The Thin Guy

October 15, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

I only drink bottled water and use it for all cooking. This has nothing to do with the drought. I saw who was in charge of the water supply for Dekalb County. But I do use water for showers and laundry. And of course to flush the loo. The car is never washed. But if it gets really bad I’ll get an outhouse and take my dirty clothes to Stone Mountain lake and hope I don’t get busted for inappropriate use of a state park. Why can’t we seed the clouds or send for a rain maker. Burt Lancaster where are you when we need you.

By Susie

October 15, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

What’s the point of me taking a shorter shower if my next door neighbor can replace their grass every time it dies, then water it for 30 days???? That’s a load of crap.

By Nonia

October 15, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

I also applaud Mayor Shirley Franklin for getting on TV to inform ALL COUNTIES throught the local news stations, urging us to conserve. Haven’t seen Sonny Perdue or any other Elected officials on tv warning and informing us. I feel it is sad when your local tv stations have to go out Lake Allatoona and Lanier to give us the hard facts-my question is to all counties what the hell did these clowns get elected for? The work that needs to be done, should have been done yesterday. We were in a drought last year and will be in one more than likely next year and the one after that. How many blows can the Atlanta metro areas and State of Georgia withstand to get through to people. I was at a restaraunt this evening that no longer puts water on the table unless it is ask for by the patrons and the lady sitting next to me complained that the waiter didn’t put water on the table. I told her is because they are trying to conserve water due to the drought, and she looked puzzled like she knew nothing of a drought. Why would anyone want to drink the water anyway? The lakes that supply the water are poluted with human waste from all counties, people are swiming, boating, and even drowning in it and know in 3 months we won’t even have that to flush toilets and take showers with. Sounds like a Natural Disaster to me-

By Nonia

October 15, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

I also in addition to standing in a plastic garbage pail while showering, using this “gray water” to flush the toilet. I have switched to paper plates to reduce the dependacy on the dishwasher. I use disposable plastic utensils, taking them to the Cobb County Recycling facility’s plastic bin when I’m done. I also retain and use the “gray water” from my front load washer for the purpose of flushing the toilets-I have never consumed tap water, I only drink bottled water, yes it is more expensive (Evian) but I know where it comes from and it’s purity. I have also used the backyard trees and shrubs as a restroom, (after dark of course).

By Sue Anne

October 15, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Fast food, poor nutrition, obesity, toxic air, street drug abuse, legal drug and antidepressant abuse, stress, fear, economic instability, fatigue, archaic religious dogma, mis-managed government, overpaid icons, mass media idiocy and general narcissism have created a nation of zombies. Wake up Georgia! You are dying of dehydration in your sleep. From the Federal government, to the state government, to the developers, to the McMansion owners to the businesses, right down to you and me…we are all responsible for this water problem, and we need to hold ourselves accountable. Individuals and businesses can reduce their water usage by half…easily. The counties have the data to determine who is overusing water and fine them. The developers can simply pause for a bit. Large homeowners can turn off their pools and hot tubs and sprinkler systems. The state government can find a few brain cells to rub together to make a plan that works. Finally, the Federal government can do something extraordinarily unusual and make some decisions that make some sense…like not diverting water to communities who aren’t under any restrictions or to save wildlife downstream while we literally dry up. There’s a much bigger issue than the water shortage. We have created this and many other problems through our overdeveloped, overpopulated overweight zombie behavior. Wake up! Get up, and go do something about it. Every moment counts, and the clock is ticking, the water is dripping, and we are sleepwalking into oblivion.

By Jack is Back

October 15, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

To save water I like to invite random girls to shower with me - so far, about 1 in ten accepts, but as the water problems continue, I expect that to change to 1 in 2.

By anna

October 15, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Overdevelopment is a result of overpopulation. The population bomb has detonated. Any overpopulated region experiencing a drought will have to take extreme measures. What the 6:00 news should be reporting is news related to birth control. That would begin to address the underlying issues.

By CBL

October 15, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I wonder if Atlanta really is the gem everyone says it is. When you have monkeys for civil engineers and developers kissing the behinds of politicians, this is what you get: 2nd worst traffic of any big city in the country, a flooded real estate market, and now water shortages worse than in the southwest.

By baffled

October 15, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

ONCE AGAIN MORONS…..

It is not development that is draining the lakes. It is the endangered purple headed warrior and the bearded clam. The corp has to release enough water to support these nearly extinct creatures. They are releasing many times more water downstream than what pours into Lanier. It is like you can’t see the forest because of the trees!

By Ben

October 15, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Statewide: 1) Raise the price of water by 3 or 4 times the cost as a starter so everybody starts thinking of saving. No water for landscaping, period. Look at the myriad of examples for conserving water, like commerical entities catching rainwater for gray water use.

2) No new development unless it reduces the number of water users; a la replacing apartments w/ houses.

Nightmare scenario: Will GA feel forced to send troops to the Dams to halt the water flow dramatically?

At Home, or what I’ve not seen posted yet: 1) Guys, you can save water by peeing in the sink and using a little faucet water to rinse it down. Sorry you ladies don’t like it, but it saves a lot of water & does not really make the sink any dirtier. Or at least use the “if mellow let yellow, if brown flush down” policy.

2) Buy rain barrels to collect from your downspouts.

By kelly

October 15, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Excuse me, but I drive by the governors mansion every other day on commute and it looks pretty green to me. Did they intall astroturf?

By Bob from Accounttemps

October 15, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Parched in Cumming is the first and one of few here that has laid it out clearly and concisely - said it all better than I did.

Following that point, Ben, why in the HECK should I be forced to pay more for water when, as parched (and I) pointed out, it’s just gonna be wasted by someone else? This HAS to be a shared effort. Just like with those that talk about increasing gas taxes, why should the government get a windfall when they’re the root of the problem in the first place?!?!?

BTW, Baffled, cute on the creature names. You’re just waiting for someone to notice, eh? Sure it’s not the one eyed snake (har har)?

By Betty D

October 15, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Don’t flush every time you pee and you can save water (more if you’ve not yet switched to ULF toilets), but be sure not to put the used T.P. in the toilet as the accumulation can cause a clog.

By Dumbfounded

October 15, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bob. I can now stop checking back to see if someone noticed. In all seriousness, the fat three ridge and the purple bank climber are going to get all of the water. It does not matter how much we conserve. Once it heads downstream, it cannot be used by us Atlantians. As long as they are going to send it down, we might as well use it.Conservation is pointless. Now, I say this with tongue in cheek. Significantly slow the water flow first and then conserve.

By wish it would rain

October 15, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Gerald, My mother in law lives in Huntsville, AL and watered her newly seeded grass every day when we were there visiting for a few days a week ago. When I asked if she was allowed to, she said they have not enforced any water restrictions what so ever. There were many business running their sprinkler systems as well. So not all of north AL is on water restrictions.

By Diana

October 15, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

JC:

You say that if we limit the amount of growth in Atlanta, there will be higher costs for everyone who remains b/c we won’t have new people to pay the bills. However, it’s been shown that new growth simply does not pay for itself. I have read that in some places in Georgia, for every tax dollar a city receives from new residents, it provides $1.40 in services. Schools become overcrowded, crime increases, there’s not enough water, and general quality of life goes down when cities become too big. Excessive growth is not good for the citizens, both in tax increases and in decreased quality of life.

By Former Atlantan

October 16, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

It now seems disengenuous for the Governor, Chamber of Commerce, and all the others to be crying to the Corps of Engineers for relief when they all had to see this day coming. (Or would have if they had good sense or had been paying attention.) Remember the “Water Wars” series a few years ago in the AJC? Rather than negotiate a reasonable agreement with Florida and Alabama that would have required restrictions on growth in water use and/or heavy investment in new sources, the Atlanta and Georgia leadership chose to go with the status quo, knowing it would end up in court someday. The endangered mussels and other downstream interests were well known to these guys 15 years ago. Now they act like this is news and demand relief.

The endless self-promotion and unbridled growth of Metro Atlanta have resulted in unpleasant consequences. Good luck, y’all. I moved to Hawaii three years ago and don’t regret it one bit.

By Former Atlantan

October 16, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

It now seems disengenuous for the Governor, Chamber of Commerce, and all the others to be crying to the Corps of Engineers for relief when they all had to see this day coming. (Or would have if they had good sense or had been paying attention.) Remember the “Water Wars” series a few years ago in the AJC? Rather than negotiate a reasonable agreement with Florida and Alabama that would have required restrictions on growth in water use and/or heavy investment in new sources, the Atlanta and Georgia leadership chose to go with the status quo, knowing it would end up in court someday. The endangered mussels and other downstream interests were well known to these guys 15 years ago. Now they act like this is news and demand relief.

The endless self-promotion and unbridled growth of Metro Atlanta have resulted in unpleasant consequences. Good luck, y’all. I moved to Hawaii three years ago and don’t regret it one bit.

By Blly Bob

October 16, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this

Let me get this right. We are supposed to conserve water so that 100% of what we save is, under the Corps operating plans, sent immediatly to Florida???? Something is wrong with this picture.

Until we wake up and compel our elected offcials in Washington to correct this distater they created with foolish law, then NOTHING is going to change and we will run out of water! Its that simple.

This problem started in DC with elected officials creating a problem called the endangered species act and only those who are watch now in Congress can correct it. Its time they got to work on the problem and quit blaming the states for thier mess!

Its one thing to conserve water for human needs—- its another for all of us to save it so sturegeons and mussles can have it instead of us.

By Pat

October 16, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this

Short showers with buckets to collect the water that would run down the drain before you start soaping. You can use that to water plants or your dog.

The real issue is the over population of the water supply. The moritorium on building is way overdue. Let the car washes and landscapers work every other day dependent on their address and only between midnight and 10:00 a.m.

By Wendy

October 16, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this

Bottom line is everyone needs to conserve as much as we can. We are conserving here at home but when will Georgia stop handing out permits to developers? How many subdivisions do we need? How many retail centers do we need, there is one on every corner here in Gwinnett county. We do no thave enough water to supply the already current needs and Georgia continues to develope. Enough is enough, say no to developers and let those mussels in Florida dry up.

By Wendy

October 16, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this

Let the mussles in Florida dry up….period. We need our water for survival. I think human survival is more important than a mussel that most of us could care less about. Stop handing out building permits, how many subdivisions and retail centers do we need? Georgia givernment is blind. A mandatory stop releasing water to the Army Corps of Engineers should be enacted immediately.

By Mr. Average

October 16, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

Why should I conserve and help when all of the rich fat cats don’t and don’t care. They act like it is a status symbol by continuing to wate r their lawns aand wash their 5 cars. I let my shower run 24/7 in defiance. We won’t run out of water, we are the strongest economy in the eastern US.

By Rickie

October 16, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

drought..overdevelopement….clear case of the people having to pay for the waste that’s going on in government and the idiotic issuing of building permits in the Atlanta metro area. Always more into the throats of developers and then when we’ve got a situation like this, it’s us folks that have to tighten the belt and pay for this BS! Sure, we’ve had a dry year, but it wasn’t like we’ve had less dryness the years before and with all the developement going on through the years, did none of those idiots in government ever thought of what might happen, if we don’t get more rain????

By Nish

October 16, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

I’m not taking shorter showers or drawing less water for my bath. I already can’t water my grass and fruit trees or anything else. How about lowering my water bill since there is a drought?

By Rickie

October 16, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

now to the question that was asked: I never took 20 mins showers anyways..I got a bucket in my shower, the water I use for watering the few plants I have. I am not one to let the water run for no reason other than fill up a pot or whatever. I don’t wash may car anymore in the driveway, haven’t done that in 1 year. So, if they wanna come to my house and tighten my belt even more, I am gonna spurt out a few words of choice at them. I surely am not one that wastes water. That said, I am gonna do some work now.

By AM

October 16, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

We had this same problem 5 years ago. What has our leadership done in those 5 years to combat this potential nightmare. I’ll tell you - NOTHING - Absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact they let it get worse. They let the unplanned, unbridled growth continue, there is a strip mall on every corner, condos/townhomes are building everywhere, that couldn’t possibly be filled - if they were to be filled where would the water come from. AND our government caters to let illegal invaders stay and use OUR dwindling water and resources that we pay for. GOD help us as our leadership is the worst. Protect us from our government. The same ones that are supposed to be representing us!

By Rickie

October 16, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

just reading some of the blogs one can tell, that people are fed up with the way things go. Just in case someone brings up the issue: well, we got a drought…duh, we ain’t got enough rain, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t help what the real issue is: senseless building!!! I hope that people in government do take time to read some of this, not that anything can be done now. but atleast, give them a clue, hey we’ve caught your BS up there and we’re mad as Hell!

By Heather

October 16, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

The GA Government know what the real problems are. My family and I are conserving enough. So to answer your question, hell to the no! My dog will continue to get a bath once a week :-)

By Marcia

October 16, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m taking shorter showers. I also put a plastic bucket in the shower to catch water and use that on my plants. We need to export the *%^&# tadpoles.

By I Don't Care

October 16, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Hell naw, I am not and will not take shorter showers or use less water for my bath.

I currently pay $33 a month for water and sewer regardless of whether I use 1000 or 3000 gallons per month.

I am single, so I consistently average 1000 or less gallons of water per month. I do not use my dishwasher, and I only wash when I have a sizeable load to avoid wasting water.

When I complained to my local water authority about the amount I pay each month for water service, I was told there was nothing that could be done. Whether I used 1000 gallons or 3000 gallons, I would still be paying $33 a month.

In short, BUMP IT! I am using all 3000 gallons now, since I can’t get a break on the $33 a month for a single person!!

By James

October 16, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

No matter what we do in the Atlanta area to conserve water. It seems that the Army Corps of Engineers insist on sending most of it from our lakes down the river. Alabama and Florida are not under water restrictions down river as we are and why should they because they are getting all the water they need thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers.

We in the Atlanta area need to build more reservoirs to capture and store water in our own area before it goes downs stream independent of the Army Corps of Engineers. We may also need to consider water canals from other Georgia rivers to Atlanta. Ever if we did not use water from the lake at all; the Army Corps of Engineers would just send as much as they can down stream.

By Parched in Cumming

October 16, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

I always used to underestimate the effectiveness of using a frequently repeated message to sway public opinion, whether or not the message is factual and true. No More.

Reading these interesting responses, it is clear that most people, by widespread margin, believe the water problem is due to overuse and too much growth, and the solution lies in better or even increasingly mandated conservation measures. Of course, this is the message carried down from the mount. (read mass media) It is some comfort to see a few more posts from those who can actually see the man behind the curtain, the one with his hand on the floodgates.

Being a bit of an optomist, I believe our government will eventually shake off the coma, regain a spine, and halt the cold water hemmorhage from Lake Lanier before our taps run dry.

Being a bit of a realist, I fear we will find our home water meter usage rationed and heavily limited instead.

By david

October 16, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

I’m doing my part by taking shorter showers and doing it the Navy way, I turn on the water just long enough to get wet, turn it off and scrub and then turn it on only long enought to rince off, having a small space heater in the bathroom to heat it up makes this more comfortable. I tested it by plugging the drain when I did it and was amazed how much water I saved and I must confess by doing it this way I get myself cleaner.

By saundra

October 16, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

In the New York Times today is an article on the severe Southeast drought; much of the article discusses the dire situation in North Carolina.

If the Corps of Engineers dams up Lake Lanier, and AL and FL don’t get any water, how much longer will our water supply last?

The Drought is forcast to last until Next Summer: No rain in, no water out. If another no-hurricane-year, there will be no respite in the summer of 2008.

Atlanta has been drastically short of rainfall / water since 2000; there is no end in immediate sight.

Stiffing AL and FL will not solve the problem.

The ONLY reason Ga.DOT is willing to talk about a Chattanooga train is to stick a water pipe under the rails; do you think Tenn. is willing to give up its water to Atlanta, and have the same situation as Calif. stealing everyone else’s water in the SW? I don’t….

By GEORGE

October 16, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I live in Cherokee County where there are subdivisions popping up everywhere with total abandon. No one seems to care that these subdivisions will place yet even more stress on the water situation. Folks, stay out of Cherokee County, we don’t need any more citizens to overburden our resources.

By Tristan

October 16, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

I won’t be limiting my water use until the government stops trying to mandate how much or what I do with water (via outdoor watering bans) and starts letting the market work by tiered pricing of water (the more you use, the more you pay). When it starts hitting people in the wallet, they’ll find all sorts of ways to conserve. And if people want to pay more to waste water, more power to them.

By Kenneth

October 16, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

As a FORMER Georgia resident, your water supply problem comes as no surprise! No lakes built in at least one if not TWO generations yet population doubles! The traffic (because of limited road construction), the lack of a second airport, contentious county squabbling ..all reflective of selfishness!

I live in Dallas/Fort Worth. We have less rainfall than Atlanta but more people (about 1 million more). We have hotter Summers. Until this April, we had a 24 month dry spell BUT we did not suffer like Atlanta because within an hour’s radius of DFW airport, we have eight to nine lakes and several rivers. We had water restrictions on lawns but nothing else.

Unlike Sonny & the Boys of Georgia, there has been much discussion about water usage and needs in the Texas Legislature. Its been spirited but cooler heads appear to have prevailed and two new resevoirs were approved for north Texas to serve growing DFW by 2020.

I plan on emailing the AJC stories to my goverment officials in Austin to keep their focus on such a significant issue!

By the way, Texas now has as many Fortune 500 companies as any state in the union, having just snagged Comerica Bank (move in September) from Michigan. We have room for a few more if any in Georgia want to go boating in North Texas, near the beautiful Hill Country or down by NASA in Houston.

By Kenneth

October 16, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

As a FORMER Georgia resident, your water supply problem comes as no surprise! No lakes built in at least one if not TWO generations yet population doubles! The traffic (because of limited road construction), the lack of a second airport, contentious county squabbling ..all reflective of selfishness!

I live in Dallas/Fort Worth. We have less rainfall than Atlanta but more people (about 1 million more). We have hotter Summers. Until this April, we had a 24 month dry spell BUT we did not suffer like Atlanta because within an hour’s radius of DFW airport, we have eight to nine lakes and several rivers. We had water restrictions on lawns but nothing else.

Unlike Sonny & the Boys of Georgia, there has been much discussion about water usage and needs in the Texas Legislature. Its been spirited but cooler heads appear to have prevailed and two new resevoirs were approved for north Texas to serve growing DFW by 2020.

I plan on emailing the AJC stories to my goverment officials in Austin to keep their focus on such a significant issue!

By the way, Texas now has as many Fortune 500 companies as any state in the union, having just snagged Comerica Bank (move in September) from Michigan. We have room for a few more if any in Georgia want to go boating in North Texas, near the beautiful Hill Country or down by NASA in Houston.

By DG

October 16, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see how raising the price of water to the consumer can possibly be the solution to the situation.

Let me see if I understand…someone decides to water their lawn 3 times a week and as a result they pay extra for the additional useage. Will the extra $ suddenly make the clouds open up and shower us with additional rain? Will it keep us from sending so much water downstream?

I think not.

Parched in Cumming - well said.

By Matthew

October 18, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

HI

By RD

October 19, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Good, I hope Atlanta does go dry.

Too many fat, pampered dollar worshippers that deserve pain.

Complain about the Governments that doesn’t represent, that has sold your and your children’s future to the Corporate, and still you pay your taxes, fund the destruction. Bleating Sheep to the Slaughter.

By Fred59

October 23, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

I developed a gadget more than 10 years ago that my family uses today in our home to save on our utility bills. I did this just for myself but later my wife suggested we put it on the internet to see if others would be interested. It’s a self-closing showerhead that can save up to 88% on your water and energy consumption in the shower. Take a look and see the videos for yourself at: itjustmakessense.net