MOMania

By Jesse's Girl

May 31, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Very rarely do I feel guilt..whether it is regarding the Mickey-D’s fries I HAD to have or letting the kids have their 12th Hershey Kiss. But with this stuff….I actually do. I have never been accused of being overly environmentally concsious, until lately. Maybe it is having 3 children and realizing that today, they shouldn’t play outside due to the air quality. Or perhaps it is all the places in this country we want our kids to see that are shrinking and disappearing. Our actions matter. We are selling our car…or trying to. We are downsizing considerably in an effort to do something meaningful. We owe it all to our daughters. It was their passion for conservation that spurred us on. So to us, the watering ban matters.

By youareanidiot

May 31, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

someone please call the police on this blog!

I cannot believe that someone is bragging at the local paper on breaking the law. AJC should fire you immediately.

By Theresa

May 31, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Let’s read more carefully — I did not break the law — I have not run my sprinkler for my children or otherwise on the wrong days or the wrong times.

By Meg

May 31, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Let’s see, it’s OK for professionally landscaped lawns to be watered… it’s OK for developers to keep overbuilding… it’s OK for the Army Corps of Engineers to keep sending our water down to Florida for the endangered mussels…nope. no guilt about my kids running around in the sprinkler.

By nurse&mother

May 31, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

We definitely take the water ban seriously. This is a pretty severe drought! It seems that many have the mentality that they don’t care. The rules don’t apply to them. What if everyone had the “It’s all about me” attitude? It would be a shame to run out of water for basic household necessities such as bathing and washing clothes and dishes just because everyone wanted to play in the sprinkler or wash their car and/or lawn. Why don’t you just go visit a water park where there are slides and pools etc.?

As much as I would love to let my kids run through the sprinkler or get out the slip and slide, I cannot do this in good conscience. It is not the right thing to do. If I am not mistaken, Georgia is 14 inches of water below average!!

By Jennifer

May 31, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

This is the first year that we haven’t had a kiddie pool and most of the reason is that I feel guilty filling it up when there’s a water ban. If it was raining a decent amount I’d feel differently, but it’s been so dry.

We stick to our neighborhood pool for our water play!

By Redux

May 31, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-blogs/ajc/parenting/entries/2006/07/18/arewaterrestr.html

You did this same topic last summer. Despite the unoriginality, the most glaring problem is: last year’s topic was in July. This year’s is in May. Perhaps we should heed the watering restrictions before next year’s rehash comes in March.

By LAG

May 31, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Some may say that I’m cheating but I believe mine is acceptable cheating. I do not water my outside plants regularly but about twice per week I put water on them. However, it may be at 8:30 PM on the wrong day but I’m not using nearly as much as I would if I watered as often as my local restrictions provide.

By fed up

May 31, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

I’m with Meg. This problem is created by over development. I live in an old house that has been around for a century. I pay an ungodly amount of taxes partly because of the overpopulation of this area. I will pull out the sprinklers for the kids when I darn well please.

I sort of follow the lawn watering guidelines though. I can barely manage to keep my lawn alive under them. My neighbors on both sides completely disregard them.

The best thing that could happen to this area is for us to just run out of water totally - just plumb run out. Then maybe the state would wake up and look at what is happening with sprawl and overdelopment!!! I say turn all the faucets on all the time!

By Gentle G

May 31, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

I only water my flowers on the designated days. My grass is already dead. Strange when 2/3 of the planet is water and I PAY for the water I use!

By gobraves

May 31, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

10-15 illegal aliens living in a house using God knows how much water, Two people in my house…. I think I’m okay using the water.

By Joe

May 31, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

If the county needs people to use less water, then they need to charge more for it. The water ban doesn’t stop water from being wasted. Also, people with irrigation systems just set the timer to the appropriate times and water to their hearts content. Charge more for water to discourage use. I need to wash my car and whether I take it down to the carwash or wash it in my driveway uses water the same. Having higher prices on water will make people think twice about washing their car without a nozzle on the end of the hose to shut it off between rinsing.

A watering ban just encourages hateful spiteful behavior. The cops don’t have enough resources to enforce the ban.

They could even create a two tiered payment system. Find out what the average usage is for a home and charge a rate for the first 5,000 gallons, and then charge a higher rate for every gallon after that.

By Becky

May 31, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

I agree with gobraves. There are only 2 of us in our house & we take our cars to the car wash. But if my grandbabies want to run through the water sprinkler, then they can..My husband is roofer & we rode thru a SD last week & he pointed out to me at least 15 houses that they roofed last year that are still empty..So if builders can build all of these houses that sit empty forever, then me using a little extra water once in a while isn’t going to hurt..

By dadof3

May 31, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Character is consistent, only behaviors change. Anyone willing to cheat to beat a 6 year old at candyland wont think twice about cheating on the water ban. It’s there for a reason. I lived in the widwest during a drought in the late nineties and saw the cattle eating the bark off the trees, trying to find water. Be an example to your kids, your not entitled to anything, this is a community that is in bad shape. Stop being so self involved and insecure. Do you not take a few minutes to think about what your about to post anymore, or do you just type directly onto the blog?

Next weeks topic: Isnt it a pain to pull over for those damn firetrucks?

By Morgan Wilson

May 31, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Ok according to the restrictions..I can only water on Sunday midnight to 10 a.m..first of all I have to be at work at 5 am..I have no business up at midnight watering..I’ll probably will have to have a gun in one hand and the hose in the other..that’s just too late..I’m in the bed @ 9, getting up at 4 am to be at work at 5 am..so when do I water?

By Red

May 31, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

The $40 timer I saw at HD is looking better and better. Dang thing turns the water on and off!

By Broken Record

May 31, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Redux- you or your clones remind Theresa every time there is a similar blog topic, so aren’t you just as bad? Find another hobby! Are you paid to critique this column? If you don’t like it, find another one!

By Theresa

May 31, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Again Dad of 3 — I haven’t cheated on the watering ban - I have not run my sprinklers when I wasn’t allowed to. The question isn’t about me — it’s about moms in the metro area that do cheat - I think you’ll enjoy Sunday’s column — it’s about ethical dilemmas for parents — I’ve had a theme this week —

By Fulton County Mom

May 31, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

I grew up here in HOTlanta. I remember the long, long hot days of summer of the droughts in the 60s and 70s. My grandmother would always arrive at the hottest part of the summer to (get this!) CAN FOOD. Do you have any idea how hot a house can be when there is canning going on? It actually made 100 in the shade seem….cool and refreshing! To top it off we did not run the AC (it made grandma sick).

What does the above have to do with today? Simple, my Mom was smart and let us go to the POOL. Get the floaties, the toys, etc and get to the neighborhood pool, inner city pool, or even the neighbors back yard.

We had a kiddie pool one year….it spawned a billion frogs (you have never had a bad nights sleep until you have been kept awake by the mating call of a frog! I will take a screaming child ANYTIME).

Yes, that is a wrong doing on the water ban. Yes we need the water. When the people who are cooling off their tots this summer start griping about the food prices come fall make sure you look to yourselves first!

By Southside refugee

May 31, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Cheaters, your rationalizations are hideously arrogant and selfish.

Last year, some parts of this county did not have enough water to put out fires. The drought is worse now.

Why am I bothering to even write? You all won’t feel the least bit of remorse when someone loses all possessions, or even their lives when there’s not enough water pressure to save them while your sprinklers are running and your kiddie pools are being refilled.

By dadof3

May 31, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

re read your own story, you use the “we” word several times, just in the first 2 paragraphs. Whos going to write this column about ethical dilemmas?

By DB

May 31, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I’m trying to wrap my brain around the idea that, during a severe watering ban, people think it’s ok to use gallons and gallons of water just so that kids can cavort in it and as a sneaky way of watering their grass. You can blame overdevelopment, but the simple fact is that, if there had been any rain, there would be water and no restrictions. The lack of rain is hardly the fault of a home builder.

It must be nice, to not have the rules apply to you. I think an earlier poster had it right — start charging outrageous rates for consumption over a certain minimum. THAT would encourage conservation! It’s hard to conserve something that we take so much for granted and that is relatively cheap.

If your kids want to play in the water, take ‘em down to Centennial Park (if it’s still running the fountains, that is.)

By sagegirl

May 31, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

For all of you who believe you are entitled to water, whenever you feel like it… there’s a severe drought going on in Australia. A continent surrounded by water. Families there are limited to 40 gallons a day. No more. With no exceptions. No outdoor watering is allowed what so ever and if you’re caught doing so, you go straight to jail. The goverment is trucking in water daily since there’s none left in the reservoirs at a cost of a million bucks a week and the farmers have been cut off completely so they can no longer water their crops. So just keep playing in your little wading pools and trying to beat the system. We’ll be in the same boat.

By gardener

May 31, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

How many politicians do you suppose feel guilt at voting for rezonings that allow developers to scrape every leaf and blade of grass from a piece of propery and build hundreds of houses with new sod to water? I obey the watering ban and use “gray” water from the shower or dish washing as much as I can. It’s disheartening to drive past parcel after parcel of new subdivisions just crammed with houses. If there’s not enough water for those of us already here how can the state’s infrastructure accommodate thousands of new water users?

By JCH

May 31, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I woke early this morning to get my watering accomplished - yes, I am an odd number address. Even still, I have cut back the timer on my sprinker system because I do feel guilty, even though I am following the rules.

There are plenty of neighborhood pools and public Gwinnett County facilites to have water fun for the kids. Even the youngest of children can understand the problem if properly explained. I would not even consider participating in these “water parties”. My friends, logically so, are like me when it comes to following the rules.

If you know it is wrong - then don’t do it. Simple ethics to live by.

By Theresa

May 31, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

DB — that is really smart idea — lettign them run through Centennial park — I think mall of ga also had one — very good idea.

By Nick

May 31, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

GUILTY about using water to keep my grass, flowers, trees and bushes alive? I pay my water bill, so I will use water when i want to.

By Meg

May 31, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

If the watering ban WAS for all families I would be more serious about it. Exceptions for landscaped lawns tell me that the people who make the laws are making their own little loophole for their lawns and businesses.

By Stinky_Beavers

May 31, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

whats better, me watering my lawn with 500 gallons of water once a week, or watering it with 150 gallons twice a week? These restrictions dont make any sense, because to get the same effect, that is what you have to do…..

By Kash

May 31, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

It would cost me a mere $5 to take my kids to the pool… I can get a family pass for the entire summer for $70. There’s our water play.

People on my street have been watering outside the ban. The church at the end of the road seems to think it’s above the ban, as well. We walk our neighborhood daily and I can assure anyone that the places I have seen disregarding the ban are not covered under the ‘new landscaping’ exemption or anything similar.

Yes, it’s “annoying,” but having a green lawn is not the most important thing in the world, is it??

By dawg_gone_truth

May 31, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

IF the watering ban was fair and equitable then yeah, I’m all for it lets save some water. The watering ban is not fair though, why do businesses get to water daily? The well to do neighborhoods that have golf course back yards? Fair tax huh? it would be the same as the watering ban. the lower middle class foots the bill.

By Crunchy Grass

May 31, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

I lived in Dallas TX for a while which is a city with a large population and little water. An interesting thing the city was the amount of education about water conservation. We even got a xeriscaping newsletter in our water bill. There was a good bit of talk about using “gray water”, rain collecting barrels, soaker hoses, but most importantly, using drought tolerant varieties of plants. I remember going to a local plant nursery where you check labeling to see if a plant was drought tolerant. No big deal to purchase a plant that doesn’t have to be pampered. A relief even. And these weren’t weedy looking plants either—just tougher varieties.

Seems like this was a public education initiative from the water authority.

Some of the earlier posts hit it on the head—people resent being told not to water when businesses and developers seem above the ban. I can pay someone to pressure wash my drivway all day long, but I can only do it myself during restricted hours. Ridiculous. Maybe our water czars need to focus a little attention on public education and marketing alternatives instead of just saying “no” to water use.

By The Book

May 31, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Theresa, everytime I read one of your little blogs, I learn more and more about your character. No, you didn’t water when you weren’t supposed to, but your little blog seems to insinuate that you have no problem with those who do. Some of the viewpoints you spew are definitely less than ethical.

The watering ban is not in force to inconvenience you and the mommies pouring out gallons and gallons of water at your little friend’s party. What a cavalier attitude you have…”I figured all the mommies would pitch in to help pay the fine if the owner got busted.” I suppose you’ll all jump in one of your minivans and ignore the speed limit later today…after all, you’ll pool your money to pay the fine. Breaking the law is breaking the law, period. And for those of you justifying your little darlings running through the sprinkler or filling the kiddie pools, you also have definite character flaws.

We are in a severe drought. We have been asked to keep our watering to a minimum, and are required to follow certain guidelines. I highly doubt you care though, Theresa. It just makes lovely fodder for your most recent little commentary…on yourself.

By Libertad

May 31, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

It takes me less than 5 gallons of water to wash my wife’s car one time per week using one of those adjustable spray guns. When those commercial drive through carwashes that dump hundreds of gallons of water on the ground per car hundreds of times per week stop washing cars, so will I. And as the man above says, when all things are equal I will completely abide by the restrictions. Until then, CATCH ME!

By D.A.D.

May 31, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I am not sure if I am breaking the watering ban or not, but I use my cooking water and the water in the dehumidifier to water my outdoor plants. I have a pool so I don’t turn the hose on the kid, just push him in the pool. I do intend to add water to my pool if it needs it because if it goes below the filter line it will ruin the filter and if I turn the filter off the remaining water will stagnate. But we don’t seem to get too much evaporation from the pool so I am not really worried.

By Tree-hugger in a quandary

May 31, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’m in a quandary - do I water, thereby cooling off my lawn which will cool off the air above it and contribute to decreasing global warming - or do I not water and conserve an ever-dwindling natural resource? What’s a Barbra Streisand-loving, tree-hugging liberal going to do?

By gimmeabreak

May 31, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Give me a break-the kids can go do something else! These restrictions will worsen over time if we don’t get rain and if people don’t start acting like a community and follow the set guidelines. It’s grass…it’s JUST GRASS! When conditions get better it will come back. Having dead grass means you are being a good citizen of the community so take pride in that, if nothing else.

By The Book

May 31, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Libertad, The water that carwashes use is recycled. The water goes into the drainage system and is reused on the cars that follow. So it’s actually better to take your car to a carwash than to do it yourself. Oh yeah, nice attitude there too.

By dawg_gone_truth

May 31, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

The Drought is not the cause of the water restrictions, they were in effect all winter as well. The water shortage is not just one problem, but yeah we are about 11” below normal according to Ken Cook. Over building does not help either. Why do businesses get to water their grass that no kid can play on, when my yard which kids play on turns brown? Why can the “Members Only” Marietta country club water to its hearts content? Why at the intersection of Mars Hill and Hwy 41 does that sprinkler spray water out into the roadway and cobb county’s finest just drive right by? Governors mansion watering? it goes on and on, I got a letter from the water works saying the I used 32% more water than others in my county, what the hell? why you sending me this Marietta? Talk to the 68% who are using more than me, And can we get some cobb county police on Mars Hill road before someone gets killed by the morons driving 80mph and passing in no passing zones?

By Freeman

May 31, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

The water ban is nothing but another goverment ploy to control people. Since 1892 our state has about the same anual rainfall….44” - 48”. Water is recycled, we are using less due to factory loss, and a major storm system is forecast for later this summer. Politicians enjoy controling others. They do that by regulations,fines,taxes and the badge and gun. Never would I turn anyone in that was using water, and if I know someone that does they are out of my carpool. Down with politicians that steal freedom…that is more important than a sprinkle of water….

By dawg_gone_truth

May 31, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

the book get off Theresa’a case, I am willing to bet that you have broken the law, GA has some silly ones on the books, I’m willing to bet most of us have not broken but shattered. Ever had sex out of wedlock? any other way than missionary? come off this the law is the law, besides its not a law its an order from a non elected board that runs the water works.

By teach by example

May 31, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I am concerned about the lack of rain.

We have horses, without rain they don’t have anything to graze. Also this will affect the cost of hay for the horses and cows, cost of meat, fruit and veggies will also be affected.

Was it last year or a couple of years ago when one city was dangerously low on water, even with the water restrictions? As one poster mentioned above, what if a fire broke out? Imagin if it was your city with low water levels and your house caught on fire and there was just not enough water pressure to get it out quickly. Would you get angry if your negihbor was one of the ones who ignored the ban?

Go ahead and water, let the kids play, but in the end all of us will be affected. Maybe you can affored the fines, maybe the cost of your veggies, fruit and meat doesnt worry you. The rules only apply to the “other” people right? What are you teaching your children?

By What about my roses?

May 31, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

What watering ban?!!

By Theresa

May 31, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Someone else mentioned collected water to use for plants — we do have buckets under our air condition pipes that drip condensate and we do use those on plants — I also set timers so I won’t water too long on the days I am allowed

By JCH

May 31, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

This blog is pretty typical and I am not suprised by some of the responses. There are alot of selfish people with entitlement issues and elitist attitudes.

Is it that hard to follow the simple rules on water restrictions? If you are that uptight and defiant about such a small thing as to when you can water your lawn, how in the heck do handle the big dilemas that come up in your life? Stop using someone else’s actions to justify your own.

Take your kids to the pool and try to enjoy yourself. Have some fun and stop getting upset over the little things.

By BJ

May 31, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I try to follow the water ban and do not water my lawn at all. Yes, I have a very sick looking lawn from it.

I do have an issue with the surrounding neighborhoods which water EXCESSIVELY on a daily basis and lanscaped neighborhood entrances which seem to be exempt from the water shortage and darn if their sprinkler systems even hit the grass for the most part.

I did notice at least 6 neighborhoods which have very wet sidewalks due to misaligned systems and even got a bit of a car wash this morning from one watering the street in the opposite direction from the shrubs and lawns. May just grab the sponge and soap and park there tomorrow morning and wash my car and get some use out of the water being wasted there.

By AM

May 31, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

As long as the developers keep over buiding, as long as the Government keeps a blink eye to illegal lawbreaking immigrants (more water users) As long as apartments and businesses water when they want to and water the road. I will NOT feel guilty. No way hosea!

By Jim

May 31, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Southern bumpkins. Does it rain in Las Vegas? So Cal? Barely. Do they astronomical water rates and watering restrictions. ~8/month for all you can use. So what is the difference between podunkville and those areas? Think about it. It will be good lesson for those who don’t do it very often. If I want to live my life with nice greenery in my yard, and not change my relatively short life for a bunch of moronic politicians and gov’t workers who can’t arrange for water at a decent price, then SCREW YOU. Again, revisit the LV / SoCal argument if you’re not getting it.

By MG

May 31, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I personally feel that we All have to take some responsibility. You can’t make someone else do the right thing but you can do the right thing yourself. I know some people will break the rules but the good thing is that hopefully most of us will follow the rules.. Personally, I like having water to cook, drink, take a bath etc…much more that I would like to have it soaking into the ground. Now don’t get me wrong I love a nice green plush lawn.. But if I have to choose between the two I choose having it available in my home first. I think that we need to understand that in times of depletion they are just trying to save as much as possible so that we don’t “RUN OUT” of water. It really could happen and then what… the rule breakers would probably still blame someone else for poor planning. That is why we have the restrictions right now…

Sadly, Not everyone believes it is important to take care of this awesome planet that we all live on and take it for granted… But hopefully more people will begin to see the importance of even the smallest things and take the responsibility of taking care our OUR home (the earth). Peace Out!

By MG

May 31, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Great Tip: For Those Of You Who Do Care :)

I have a friend who live in CA years ago when they had a major water ban and she said that she would set a bowl or bucket in the shower with her to catch the water and water the plants with it..

Just a thought.. Peace Out!

By carter

May 31, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Our lawn looks really dead now as you would expect, however there are several in our area that look really great it’s been pretty much that way for several years,I’ve never turned anyone in but I’m beginning to think it’s time.If we don’t conserve we are all going to suffer, the lakes and rivers are all very low, I read in the Miami Herald just this morning that lake Okeechobee in south Florida is almost 9 feet lower than normal for this time of year. Okeechobee is the major source of water for the everglades so it must be as dry as the Okeefenokee where the wildfires are killing us this afternoon with smoke.Ive lived my whole life in Georgia and Florida and I can’t remember any period of time when it was as dry as the last few years. Conservation, at this seems to be our only solution,until we can come up with a way to make fresh water.

By Jeff

May 31, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Well, there is a town here in Central/ South GA - Gray, GA - that has banned ALL outdoor water usage. ZERO exeptions. Mayor was on the news last night and flat out said that repeat offenders WOULD serve jail time.

By Gandolf the Grey

May 31, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

24 hours of Jail time for you scofflaws! With no water to drink or flush with!

By dadof3

May 31, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

It’s one thing to run a hose for an extra 15 minutes at night or let the kids run through a sprinkler out back occasionally and another to write and publish a topic online that so casually questions the applicibility of these neccesary rules to a group of detached suburban mombies (busting the ban to keep the kids cool, your words). That is either very bad journalism (I cant beleive I just refered to this blog as journalism) or it’s blatant irresponsibility on behalf of the AJC and this blogger. If this is a simple matter of creating as many hits as possible with a little Springer style shock value then, occasionally, you succeed, but if I had a blog on the AJC, I’d worry about my kids growing up to read them. Only reading 5 or 6 of your…articles (?) a very clear image of your value system emerges. I would treat this opportunity with a little more diligence and respect and think about what I posted and what signal it sends about my sensibility. And yes, I know I cant spell.

By Jen

May 31, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Not only do I obey my Sunday only between midnight and 10 am law I go a step further.

(1) I don’t bother watering the grass. Grass lawns are a construct of the 1950s. Before that wealthy people grew pasture lawn made up of a mix of grass, clover, and a few other green plants that are very good for the soil (ie, put nitrogen in, etc), are drought tolerant, are pleasant on the bare feet, and are GREEN. That’s the kind of lawn I am going to grow in my small city yard. It won’t need watering.

(2) I am only watering my shrubs on my allotted days and I am not running the water from midnight to 6am

(3) I am planting xeriscapic (sp?) perennials, which are very beautiful. Also, many native Georgia perennials and annuals are very low maintenance/drought tolerant.

(4) we live a block away from the neighborhood pool. So that’s where we go when we want to play in the water

(5) we have a dehumidifier in our basement and it needs daily emptying and I use that on the plants

I care very much about the drought conditions we are currently in.

By fence straddler

May 31, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

This weekend will be the first time we’ve watered our lawn this year…and we will do it during the designated time and day for our address.

I don’t care that much about a brown lawn…but it does bother me that the kids don’t get to enjoy the sprinkler, etc. I guess when it gets really hot, when it’s 80 degrees and humid in the morning, I’ll let ‘em take an early-morning hop through it during our designated watering time.

For now, we go swim at my sister’s apartment when we need to cool down. And I still let them have watergun fights outdoors. I fill up a big bucket inside and they carry it out, and fill their guns from that. Perhaps that’s a grey area in that the water is getting sprayed outdoors. But it’s still a heck of a lot less water than taking a bath or even doing a sink full of dishes. And the plants get a tiny drink while they’re at it!

By TheOne

May 31, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I see why some kids grow up thinking the world owes them something….they get it from home (based on a lot of these posts). Talk about a blatant disregard for rules, laws, others and society in general!!! Grow up people!!!!

By laura

May 31, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Theresa, you can defend yourself and your friends all day long—but the fact is, you are complicit in breaking the law. Not your lawn? Not your water hose? Doesn’t matter. You’re a participant, which means you condone this cavalier behavior. Your kids are growing up believing the rules don’t apply to them. Awesome! Just what the world needs—three more spoiled suburban kids and their mombie.

By The Book

May 31, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

dadof3 - thank you. I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees Theresa and her ilk for what they really are.

Journalism? No, in this day and age it’s just called media-ism. Anything for a buck. Sort of like the article above.

For those of you who are concerned for our planet and personal well-being by sticking to the rules and helping out, thank you.

For the rest of you who think everyone owes you something or that it’s not fair because Mr. X gets to do it and I don’t; someday you’ll find out what life is really about. Hope it’s not too late when you do.

By Lynette

May 31, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

I have not taken the time to notice if anyone is watering or not. We have a pool in the subdivision and that is so much nicer than the thing in the yard. I did however use one for several years for the dogs to play in on hot summer days.

I don’t think I will be watering this year. Would rather be sleeping at that hour.

By abc

May 31, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Crunchy Grass, compared to the rest of Texas, Dallas has LOTS of water! The water bill was killed in the Texas legislative session that just ended, due to sweetheart political deals that would exclude Dallas from conservation efforts. Households in Dallas consume 264 gallons of water per day, compared to the rest of the state using 200 or less gallons.

Actually, having observed the Texas legislative session this year, my new favorite oxymoron is ‘Texas Ethics Commission’. What a circus! I wonder if all state legislatures are so childish and unprofessional, or if it’s just Texas?

By laura

May 31, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

dadof3 and By the Book: I agree with everything you have both said. Theresa always acts surprised at the criticism she gets when she posts blog entries about her various means of chicanery to do as she pleases. Because it’s all about the kids, right? ;-)

By parade rainer

May 31, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

see this is exactly why i always carry a digital camera with me. everytime i see someone breaking the rules, i take a picture with a date/time stamp and send them to the appropriate officials. you can preach all day long about “catch me if you can” but guess what? i have already caught many of you and the rest of you are next. darn fools.

By Kash

May 31, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hey parade rainer —

Does that actually work??

I’ve tried to report a few people (their rudeness to us & my kids in the past is coming home to roost, let’s say), but my municipality’s restriction enforcement office closes at 3:30 pm for the day… not much use.

By Big John

May 31, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

If anyone aims a camera at my lush green yard I water at night when the cops are asleep, they will need a Doctor with a scope for a “camera-ectomy”.

By The Book

May 31, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

laura - you are sooo right about it being all about the kids. Your “awesome” comment about the world needing more spoiled kids and mombies was right on target.

Until parents stop this entitlement culture that they are wrapping their kids up in, things aren’t going to get better. The “Me Generation” is now bringing up kids to be the same way. Case and point, the above blog. Until kids are shown that respect, love, and Wii’s are earned, not demanded, they will continue this horrible trend. This issue is glaringly obvious in many of the comments on this blog. Selfish and angry is no way to go through life.

By HominidX

May 31, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Industrial plants produce millions of tons of pollution every day! What does it matter if I dump a few liters of oil out? I’M JUST ONE PERSON!

By parade rainer

May 31, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Kash— Yes, it does work. Find out the website for your local office and you can just email them the pictures, like i do. i usually try to get a picture of their mailbox in the shot too, so you can read the address. it sppeds things up a bit because they dont have to send an officer out there to visually inspect the violation—all the evidence they need is in the shot—with a date/time stamp. Try arguing with that.

By parade rainer

May 31, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Kash—

Karma’s a b*tch, huh?

By Chris

May 31, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I am selfish and I cheat and water my damned lawn when I want to. It’s my water, my property and my bill. Leave me alone!!! Screw you environmental nut jobs, Saudi Arabia get water from the ocean, why not us?? Water water everywhere and I am watering my lawn!! HA, HA, HA!!!

By Jesse's Girl

May 31, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Folks..in my mind this goes WAY beyond simpy obeying a law you may or may not agree with. This is conservation. If some of you are still unconvinced about our Earth’s problems…and I can’t believe this is even in debate…abiding by this rule is a no brainer. Its not somehting that requires too much thought. No great global warming conversation needs to take place. Now I whole heartedly agree that there needs to be a “Come’ to Jesus Meeting” regarding those who think they are above the law and those who actually are for whatever reason. There must be uniformity for this to be effective. I am all for reporting those who break this law. And I’d like to start with inundating the proper agency with calls about the governor’s mansion and all police and sherriff’s offices I see watering willy-nilly.

By LCD DSL LSD

May 31, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I’m glad you’re setting such a good example for you kids, Ms. Giarrusso. Now they can grow up, believing that the rules don’t apply to them, and whine when things don’t go their way.

By Chris

May 31, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

parade rainer -

You are a B*TCH, TOO!!!!!!!!

By The Book

May 31, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Chris like parade rainer said, “Karma’s a b*tch!” You’ll get yours. I’m thinking something along the lines of…oh, say…death by dehydration, as you sit next to the ocean. You’ll get caught one way or another. You’d better hope it’s by the water police and not Karma.

By fk

May 31, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

My flowers were looking very parched one Monday evening, the “even” day. Naturally, my address is an “odd” number. I contemplated as to whether or not I should break the rule, and if a neighbor might turn me in. I am a rules type of person, so I really did think about it. Finally, I decided to just go out and water my flowers. My standard rationalization: who cares?

As I walked outside (it was 9:30 pm), I heard sirens in the distance. I even thought to myself that it would be just my luck to get caught by the fire dept. As I started to turn the water on, I turned around. Yup, you guessed it. Two doors up, there was the big red truck, flashing lights and all! I put the watering can down behind the shrub.

No, they weren’t looking for me, but I’ve not thought about breaking the ban since that night. I would’ve felt like an idiot if I had been caught. I

By Jennifer

May 31, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

You guys are all over Theresa about the kiddie pool and haven’t said one word about the dude washing his wife’s car every week! Do you even care about the topic or do you just like busting her chops?

By Chris

May 31, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

So sorry water NAZI. You people make me sick. ‘Oh no, we are running out of water!! We are all going to thirst to death. Whatever will we do?’ Get over yourselves. You know, it is said if you repeat something often enough, people will eventually believe it, that’s just what Hitler did and that is what has happened to all you WATER NAZIS here. By the way, I don’t believe in karma so there!!

By parade rainer

May 31, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Chris— 2 tips: 1) Water your lawn with the “water, water everywhere ocean water” you talk about.

2) Don’t ever procreate.

loser

By Chris

May 31, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

parade rainer

Why don’t you light your tampon, blow your box apart. I think that’s the only bang you’ll ever get sweet heart!

By HominidX

May 31, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

@Jennifer: Yes, that matters, too. Carwasher guy have a blog we can troll?

@Chris: Hitler comparison means you lose the internets. Get off.

By The Book

May 31, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Jennifer if you’d bothered to read all the entries, you would have seen that I told Libertad (at 11:36am) that carwashes use recycled water, so it’s better to go to a carwash than to wash it at home.

Chris don’t worry, it doesn’t matter whether you believe in Karma or not. It happens anyway. (We’re going to thirst to death? What public school did you drop out of?)

By justathought

May 31, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Instead of making the watering ban apply to days and times, I wonder why it doesn’t apply to usage amounts? It would be so much easier to give everyone an allotted amount to use in a given month and track how much we use instead of when we use it. I mean there is a “water meter” that keeps track of our usage.

They could charge us a $500.00 fee or something extraordinarily punitive for every gallon we go over our allotted amount. It could be based on family size or in the case of businesses, number of employees (who would need to flush and so forth). Then you could use water according to your priorities—sprinkle your kids instead of your grass. Water your plants with shower water and use your allottment to wash your car… .

Maybe charge on a sliding scale so that the bare minimum that we would need to do bathe, dp laundry and dishes would be at one rate and then the amount over that but up to the allotted amount would cost twice as much. So people would be encouraged and rewarded for conserving.

I have a neighbor who lives alone and is a minister of a local church. His water bill is paid by his church. He waters his grass twice a day for at least an hour per station but only during his allotted times. He is completely legal, but is using several times the amount of water used by the rest of us in the neighborhood. His grass is beautiful—green, soft and lush. It makes me angry, cause its such a waste.

I think allowing for more flexibility in how we use our water as families would probably create more compliance over all and might even encourage conservation.

By dadof3

May 31, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, The obvious huge difference is the guy that washes his car didnt sign on to the AJC.com website this morning and post a flippent, detached piece that flies in the face of a very severe water shortage problem. None of us are innocent, I see to it that my sensitive bushes, plants and front yard of bermuda are watered (during the alloted times) but I wouldnt post a story questioning the need for respect for such a serious topic. It’s narrow minded and self involved and if I ever read anything that needed to be called out, it’s this. Also, the man came back and stuck to his guns, she came back, tried to remove herself from her own piece, then disappeared. You call it chop busting all you want, all the while your head is in the sand.

By Jennifer

May 31, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I think Atlanta needs to be crop dusted with PMS meds, you people are freaking grouchy.

By Shawn

May 31, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

I water my grass when I feel like it which isnt often. My hrs. of work dont gel with the allowed times of watering so I do it when I can do it. I pay for my water so I will continue to do it. People are crazy. The world is 80% water. Has been that way since the beginning of time and it is “STILL” 80% water. We will NEVER be without it. Get a grip, a life and mind your business. Water on folks….

By BanAllKiddiePools

May 31, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

I live in an apartment and have on my porch a herb garden, along with a couple of hanging baskets. I obey the watering rules and I reuse household water (pasta water, old coffee) as much as possible. I can assure you that if I drive by your abode and see filled kiddie pools, wet slip-n-slides, and lawn-watering going on during “off-hours”, I will be only too happy to report you. You aren’t above me and you certainly aren’t above the law. If you have a problem with businesses using water, then do something about it and stop playing your little passive agressive games.

By Jason

May 31, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Shawn, go take a drink of water out of the ocean or better yet, from the sewage line coming out of your house. Tastes good, doesn’t it? This isn’t a question of how much water we have, it is a question of how much USEFUL water we have here in Georgia for use by Georgians.

If you want to build a multi billion dollar desalination plant on the coast and then a several billion dollar pipeline to your house, go right ahead. Meanwhile the rest of us are going to act like responsible adults rather than self centered surely teens.

By Fulton County Mom

May 31, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Ok,I have been thinking this all day…there is the old adage of ‘if its yellow, let it mellow, if its brown….’ you get the idea. I also keep seeing Cosner on that horrible “Waterworld” movie.

I do believe that you should take your car to a carwash that recycles water! I also think you should save sprinklers (dangerous anyway), kiddie pools and slippy slides (bad for the lawn) for um…NEVER. I do recall running through them as a kid, however the neighborhood pool is soooooo much better.

Besides I would rather you got clean clothes and clean bodies…than the kids get a 10 - 15 run in the water….that whole dump out refill..what a waste! Put a small bucket next to the pool (if u insist on the pool) and use it to clean feet before you go in the pool….I mean if you are doing it anyway (and you will no matter what is said here) then at least be some what smart about it.

By the way…who can we get to do the gallon allotment and then upcharge the overages? I like it…

By shawn

May 31, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Jason, There actually are “no” questions… And I’m not gonna build anything. There’s no need to do that. What I will do is water my grass when I get ready to. As I said earlier, none of these post or comments are gonna change what I have been doing all along and will continue to do. In the meantime, you can go jump in the ocean and/or sewage where you belong….

By Jeff

May 31, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

To the “the planet is 80% water” crowd:

I don’t know much about science, but I do know this: The VAST majority of that water is in one of two locations, both of which are useless as far as this debate goes: the Polar Ice Caps and the Oceans. The Oceans are SALT water, which will kill virtually any land-based plant that isn’t designed to deal with it (such as those found even 15 miles inland). It also isn’t very pleasant to drink, and it costs a TON of money to put a commercial desalinization plant online.

The Ice Caps are in fact fresh water. But they are a few thousand miles away in EXTREMELY remote areas (even by South GA standards!) and over use of them WILL cause major climate issues the likes of which are (so far) only seen in cheap disaster movies. (apologies to Day After Tomorrow).

So far as THIS debate is concerned, we are in a SEVERE drought, which means that there really ISN’T enough water to do whatever you want with it. If you want enough water to do whatever you want, figure out where all the rain we are supposed to be getting is falling and move there!

By LwJ

May 31, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

And here I thought parents, who have at least a genetic stake in the future, might be a bit concerned about the quality of life in said future for their children or grandchildren.

No, splashing mud about back gardens RIGHT NOW is more important than water conservation. Of course.

You are such a MARE.

By Jen

May 31, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

OK, first of all…this whole the world is 80% water thing…until the state of Georgia start piping in ocean water and distilling it to get rid of the salt it doesn’t matter. The world could be 99.999% water but as long as it’s salt water you can’t use it. We get our water from the Chatahoochee watershed and that is that. Until we’re no longer in a drought then we really do have a limited supply of water.

Second of all, we ALL pay for our water and we ALL have to follow these restrictions. The only people who are exempt are the people on well-water. THOSE people can do what they want until their well runs dry.

What do you think would happen if the reservoir that holds our water supply dried up? Now, granted, it wouldn’t stay dried up because it’s a “living” system fed by the watershed. But, if on a single day it dried up we would all be in trouble. No water to run your toilet. No water for the fire hydrants. No water for the sewer. No shower. No sink.

And then, we’d all be running out to Publix to buy bottled water…

The people who are crazy are the ones who think that because the world is 80% salt water that it’s a lie we have a fresh water problem.

By RAMSR

May 31, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

First and foremost alot lot would have to occur before we in Georgia run out of water. Please do you research and you will find that we still today ship water to various states for different reasons. Every year there is a drought we panic. For thousand years there have been droughts through out the world and it balanced out. It is the law of nature. Secondly, you will find that most of the “waste” occurs inside of the home. If we really wanted to conserve water then monitor the waste that occurs from within. My water bill $50.00, my fine for misuse $100. My sons memories of playing in the Slip n Slide for twenty minutes, priceless.

By snitch

June 1, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

What’s wrong with personal use of 100 gallons of kiddie water on an illegal day that’s not wrong with the Peachtree Dunwoody Soccer fields use of 10,000 gallons of illegal irrigation at 3:30 pm on Thursday? Both are illegal and should be prosecuted. Drought is not the after effect of over building. We do not have a monopoly on drought just because we build. Be smart, be considerate of your neighbor, and most importantly be responsible for future generations. Use water to sustain life, not grass.

By Bill Fields

June 1, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

All you water-wasters with your rationalizations are as selfish as the TB-ridden shyster who cared more about his opulent Greek wedding than he did about the health of others. Newsflash: the world does not revolve you and your stupid kids. BTW, most of them are ugly enough to constitute ‘drowning material’ in their kiddie pools.

By Jesse's Girl

June 1, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Nice Bill…very nice. Come back when you have something less 7th grade to contribute, won’t you?

By cp

June 1, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

“Next week’s topic: Isn’t it a pain to pull over for those damn firetrucks?” Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Why aren’t you just filling up the kiddie pools during the correct hours??? You don’t like your water to sit?

Theresa, you said you just DUMP it out. Why? Why not use it for watering the plants? I didn’t think anyone just dumped it out anymore.

By nurse&mother

June 1, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

As I came home from work last evening, I read all the posts from the day. Wow! I never dreamed that there would be so many selfish people. I guess I am naive and truly believed that most adults would see the importance of conserving water for everyone. Our country will continue to spiral downward if everyone has the mentality that it is all about “me”. There is only one pie and if lots of people try to take a bigger piece of the pie, someone will have to do without. You guys sound like spoiled children. “It’s mine and I’ll take it if I want to ” or “He’s got more cake than I do”. My nine year old is more mature than that! I would expect that from my 16 month old.

My husband had an awesome solution. He said we should just have a ration and everyone gets a daily quota. You can use your alloted amount how you want, but when you use that up, the tap stops flowing. It wouldn’t matter if you were taking a shower or getting a glass of water. Sounds like a great idea.

By Rob

June 1, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Let’s be frank: watering one day a week forces most of us to overwater. I now have to soak my yard for three hours on Saturday instead of one hour twice a week! I grew up in drought prone areas of the U.S. and have learned a few simple ways to reduce water usage. At our house we struggle to conserve water — saving “gray” water in a bucket for later use on the yard — yet businesses waste it with abandon. I saw a local restaurant hosing down the sidewalk just yesterday. I gotta ask myself why I am schleping buckets of old pasta water around my yard when folks justify wasting it on kiddy pools and the like. Oh puleeze, stop with the “I only do it for my kids” justification and show the little ones how to follow the rules.

By skymgirl

June 1, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

You’re going to write a post about ethical dilemmas for parents? Whatever for? Obviously you believe that because you contributed to overpopulation by having kids, ethics and rules don’t apply to you. I know it can be hard sometimes to try and put coherent thoughts together with all that mombie nonsense going on in your head, but a restriction is in place for a reason. Think of some other way to entertain your kids and get over yourself.

By _politicians_are_not_doing_their_jobs

June 1, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

to: youareanidiot

Bad laws are meant to be broken!

There is plenty of water … it’s just the politicians decided NOT to provide it to us.

If the water supplier were a private company instead of ‘government,’ you would have available to you all the water you were willing to purchase!

Perhaps, when we actually run out of the water they are providing, will the ‘government’ (aka, politicians) expand the system(s) to give us all the water we want, demand and are willing to purchase!

Additionally, just think how much additional water would be available to everyone here legally if the 12 million illegals were not in this country???

By WTF

June 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

The Atlanta market’s water system is privatized.

By Rickie

June 1, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I pretty much abide by it. I do fill up my bird bath every evening and top off my tiny outdoor fountain. I have recently planted juniper bushes and I understand that I am allowed to water new landscaping for up to a month. I fill up a bucket of water each evening to give to my one and only tomato plant and I have watered my lawn just for a bit outside my assigned day and yes, I have cheated, but I haven’t done that only once. Would I pay the fine if I had gotten caught? You bet, I broke the law and I would accept the charges. I don’t consider myself a gross offender though considering how much water the industry really wastes

By The Book

June 1, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Many folks here seem to have a “they use as much as they want (i.e. businesses, landscapers, etc.) so why can’t I?” mentality. I guess none of you recycles either. You probably toss your newspapers, instead of using them to wrap delicates, start fires in the winter, or send them back for recycling. You probably toss those glass jars in the trash when they could be used for sorting screws and nails in the workshop, keeping open bags of candy fresh or, again, returned and recycled for more glass jars. Same with aluminum cans, steel cans and plastics of all kind.

My point is: all of us makes a small difference by the habits we adopt. When all of us work together, big things happen. The garbage dump I pass daily has gotten massive in the ten years I’ve traveled that highway. If all of us would do our part, we just might reduce the need for these landfills.

Same with water. If each of us does our part to help out, it makes big changes. Why is that so hard for some of you to understand?

Newsflash: You’re not the only person here. There are 6 billion others on this planet. Think about someone else for a change.

By sagegirl

June 1, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

By reading some of these posts it’s obvious why the world in such sad/selfish shape and todays kids have the “ME,ME,ME” and “I’M SPECIAL” attitudes. Clearly, they get it from their parents.

By Jess

June 1, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Wow, There have been lots of entertaining comments some thoughtful, some hateful etc etc. Why make this column out to be something that its not, how many times do you have to complain of its lack of worthiness. I find this column to be light entertainment and not at all serious. Yes, its tone is flippant but it asks the question of what is people’s water use and everyone has answered accordingly. if you want hardhitting journalism read the Times or the Journal.

By Egads

June 1, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Heh. And if we do have to begin charging “over quota” fees on folks for using more water on idiotic things such as kiddy pools and Slip N Slides, these same wasteful payrunts will be screaming at the top of their lungs for a govmint tax credit to help them pay their increased water bills, because it’s for the Chylllllldrrrrren, doncha know?!? So, the rest of us will get to pay for their idiocy not only once but twice.

I say let’em sit in a jail cell for 24 hours, gramps and grannies included.

By Rickie

June 1, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I recycle..thank you very much. and like I said, I have not broken the law but once and I am not accusing every landscaping business etc of water wasting. The question was: are you cheating on the water ban? I think it’s totally ridiculous having a sprinkler party during a water ban and yes, I think people should get fined if caught. So…by the book…please don’t put me in your little pot with others. All I did was be honest with how I acted.

By JJ

June 1, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I think our jails are severely overcrowded at this point, and a water ban breaker should not be put in jail. They should receive one warning, then start imposing a fine. If the fine isn’t paid, put a lien on the violators property. But don’t send them to jail. That’s a waste of taxpayer money. They don’t need to go to jail with murderers, rapists, Barbie Bandits, etc.

By JJ

June 1, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Well, I adbide by the watering ban and only water on the weekends, on the day I am allowed. I don’t really care if my grass dies or not. It’s not that big of an issue with me, I have more important things to think about. Of course, I haven’t put tons of money into my landscaping. I have a shady yard, and mostly the back yard is for my dogs. I do have a couple of container gardens on the deck, back and front porches. I water them every other morning with my two gallon bucket of recycled shower water. So everyone get off your high horses, and let’s focus on more serious matters. And for those of you who choose not to have kids, please quit bashing those of us who do have kids. We are not selfish because we chose to have children. I for one could not imagine life without my beautiful daughter. She has brought me so much joy (and pain too, but it’s worth it every time I look at her).
It’s my life, it’s my decision, and if you don’t like it, that’s is your problem, not mine.

By The Book

June 1, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Rickie I didn’t single anyone out, not even you. Please show me anywhere in my post where I said Rickie should or shouldn’t. I applaud you for doing your part. Thank you so much. It’s folks like us that will be able to feel good when future generations actually have some water and aren’t overrun by landfills.

I water my vegetable garden and herbs too, on Mon-Wed-Sat. The garden is very small and is in containers on my deck. Sometimes I use leftover gray water, sometimes not. Two gallons isn’t going to shrink the ‘Hooch and I also abide by the ban.

Please don’t think I directed my “schpeel” at you because it was right after your post. You rock! Hey, I like that…Rickie Rock.

By jingo

June 1, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

For those that have stated that we have “plenty of water,” could you provide a link that shows this? I’d like to see the evidence you have.

Hopefully we’ll get some rain from that tropical system this weekend.

By Egads

June 1, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Don’t be fooled. These payrunts and the gramps/grannies that break the law are criminals and criminals who belong in a jail cell for a short spell. If ya don’t wanna be locked up with a murderer (or, far worse, another water-abusive criminal just like yourself) don’t break the law. Don’t do the crime if ya can’t do the time.

By _politicians_are_not_doing_their_jobs

June 1, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

TO: jingo

Per your request to show you the “plenty of water” link:

www.gulfmex.org/map.htm

Now, all the politicians have to do is desalinate the water and pump it to the headwaters of Lake Lanier; or even all the way to Helen, Ga.

By jingo

June 1, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link BPANDTJ. How expensive would it be for someone to pump that water up here and desalinate it? Has anyone ever done a study for it?

By Jeff

June 1, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

poltiicians:

Do you have any IDEA how INCREDIBLY expensive desalinization is??? Or how much energy it uses? Already many parts of the country experience brown outs during the summer from AC usage (among other things). Putting a few hundred desalinization plants online would FAR out-tax our current energy delivery systems. The only solution would be to put a energy-generation station onsite with the desalinization plant. (I’m thinking nuclear here.) Want one of THOSE in Helen??

By _politicians_are_not_doing_their_jobs

June 1, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

OK, if you don’t want desalinization, try recycling … like Clayton County has been doing for 10+/- years. They drink (i. e., reuse) the same water about every 3 days, and purchase ‘make-up’ water from Atlanta as needed. I’d almost bet good money they are not on the restrictions everyone else is. :)

Tahoe, Nevada, is another that reuses its wastewater (after treatment, of course.)

The biggest problem is that the politicians have not been taking enough ‘action’ to provide the water! The solution comes from them, and their only concern is re-election!

By Will

June 1, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Wheres the blogger? She doesnt come back to stand her ground, explain herself or apologize for the ridiculously irresponsible, subjective, mombie drivel of a piece she wrote? Where is an explanation from someone from the AJC which, daily, reports of the dropping lake levels and each of the municipalities responses to the crisis? She should be fired, but she wont, she’ll write her…column(?), teaching us all about the ethical quandries of parenting, then she’ll swing by the pharmacy to pick up her birth control pills as she heads in to teach cildrens liturgy at her Catholic Church. Is she alone?, no, she’s one of millions, men and woman, all of that post-baby boom generation that feasted on the spoils of a generation that had plenty and languished it adoringly on their trophy kids. The result; self-centered, overly competetive (thus insecure), groundless people who are willing to consumerise the last inkling of what this country has to offer, it’s integrity. But hey, the SUV looks great in the garage of the starter mansion and as long as there is a starbucks on the way to the sitters, uh I mean pre-school, everything is fine. Let the next generation (apparantly it hasn’t dawned on them that those robots they transport around are part of that next generation) anyway, let the next generation figure out how to excricate itself from the precarious position of collapse that has resulted from the ME generation of hyphenated Mombies and their tired, apathetic husbands.

I’m more than certain this will be deleted and I will be banned, so if anyone wants to pick up this debate, reach me at skyteacher@yahoo.com and check out my blog, www.skyteachersblog.blogspot.com .

Later. yea, I know I cant spell.

By The Book

June 1, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Will I totally agree.

Theresa where’s the explanation? The very least you could do is come on and say “Oops, boneheaded move. I’m sorry for ignoring the wrongs of others. I’m sorry for insinuating that the ban should be ignored. I’m sorry for putting it in a public forum. It won’t happen again.”

Won’t happen. She’s probably out back hosing down the kids as we speak.

By laura

June 1, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Will: I couldn’t agree more. I’ll save the link to your blog in case your post gets deleted.

And the whole disappearing act? Theresa does it all the time. She’ll post something asinine, people will criticize her for it, she’ll get defensive and use dashes instead of real punctuation, and then she disappears. Which, apparently, is okay because she’s a mommy and they can get away with anything (even breaking the law).

By Egads

June 1, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

“Grandmaw’s In The Hoosegow Now”

Oh, she’s in a tight pickle now, Thought she’s above the law, somehow. Yelled, “Go fill up that kiddy pool” to Grandpaw, A secret saver, he’s all for enforcing the law.

Grandma’s in the Hoosegow, now! Yep, she’s in the Hoosegow, now! Thought her grandkids deserved a break, Grandpaw thought about that dried-up lake, Grandma’s in the Hoosegow, now!

Grandma was sho ‘nough surprised When the cruiser’s red and blue lights Flashed in her eyes – “What’s goin on,” she cried! Grandpaw slyly points at Grandmaw As the one who disregarded the law, the officer growls, “Off you go to the Hoosegow, now!

Grandma’s in the Hoosegow, now! Yep, she’s in the Hoosegow, now! Granpaw has second thoughts about making her bail, While Grandmaw studies the public john in her cell. Grandma’s in the Hoosegow, now!

By JJ

June 1, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Will A little angry? Go have a cocktail PLEASE, then leave the MOM blog, Google “Anger Management Classes”, take a couple, then go find happiness SOMEWHERE PLEASE!!!!!!!

What does all your rant have to do with water restrictions? Get a life.

By what the heck

June 1, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

JJ, Will’s rant is about the water restrictions that Theresa is ignoring. Can’t you read?

By JJ

June 1, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

what the heck OF course I can read you idiot. I wondered why Will was complaining about Theresa. SHE didn’t break that water restrictions, her friends did.

She should be fired, but she wont, she’ll write her…column(?), teaching us all about the ethical quandries of parenting, then she’ll swing by the pharmacy to pick up her birth control pills as she heads in to teach cildrens liturgy at her Catholic Church. Is she alone?, no, she’s one of millions, men and woman, all of that post-baby boom generation that feasted on the spoils of a generation that had plenty and languished it adoringly on their trophy kids. The result; self-centered, overly competetive (thus insecure), groundless people who are willing to consumerise the last inkling of what this country has to offer, it’s integrity. But hey, the SUV looks great in the garage of the starter mansion and as long as there is a starbucks on the way to the sitters, uh I mean pre-school, everything is fine

So what does THAT have to do with water restrictions?

Sounds to me like there is a little anger in Will’s post.

By what the heck

June 1, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I think there is a little anger in Will’s post, also. So since we think alike, you must be an idoit too. To condone someone else breaking the water ban, and then writing about is is no better than the one doing it. I mean, come on, they dumped the water when it got dirty, and refilled?? That’s a bit much. Why couldn’t the kids have had a bucket of water to clean their feet instead of refilling to pool? I’ll tell you why- she doesn’t care. The rules are not for her or her friends, just for us, right? And they already had a plan to split the cost of the ticket if they got one? Obviously, they knew they were doing the wrong thing, but again, didn’t care. If you don’t care, that’s fine, but don’t expect everyone not to care. Some of us do.

By observer

June 1, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

JJ- How petty of you the resort to name calling. That’s about as childish as it gets. Yes, I too think is showing some anger, and I say rightfully so. She has no problem attendint a pool party for the kids knowing there is a water ban. And then dump the water and refill because it’s dirty? So she’s completely innocent you say? The fact that it wasn’t at her house does not make here innocent. I guess in you book it does. And how many times have you heard of someone doing something and then saying “my friend did so and so” when it was really the person talking. Regardless, if she participated, here hands are not clean by any means.

By JJ

June 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

What the heck Speeding is against the law too. I bet you speed - or is 5 to 10 miles over the posted limit not really speeding????? Ever drank and driven? DUI is against the law too. Ever try a drug? I could go on.. I am sure you have broken a law or two and laughed about it at some point in your life. Observer I NEVER said she was innocent.

By Will

June 1, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

JJ, She used the word “we” five times in just the first two paragraphs. Anyone that writes for the AJC during this drought, whether it’s just an innocent blog or not, should be aware of the gravity of the topic before they attempt to trivialize it. No anger what so ever, but somebody had to call her out on this.

Thank you for the suggestion of a cocktail, however, I think I might just do that.

By what the heck

June 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

JJ- How do you profess to know me or what I do? I’m not on here bragging about what I did to break the law. Theresa is (or her “friend”). And by the way, yes, I obey the speed limit, (never had a ticket of any kind), I have certainly never drank and driven,and no, I have never done drugs. Point is, if I did I wouldn’t go public with it like I am above the law. If you have done all the above things, and think it’s alright, more power to you, but don’t down the people who do obey the law. There are some on us out there.

By Jesse's Girl

June 1, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I prefer a good Pinot myself…..cocktails tend to be a bit too fruity for my taste.42 minutes till happy hour!! Everyone have a drink….but no water!

By will

June 1, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Well, if by cocktail, you mean Coors light, that is.

By Fulton County Mom

June 1, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl I see that Pinot but I am thinking of raising it to a martini, nothing fruity about vodka ;o)

y’all lets hope we get some parcipitation this weekend….one last thought on that before we head to our respective pubs, er,uh…corners!

If a nice ‘summer rain’ happens, send the kiddies out in their suits to play in it….no restriction on it, no waste, still accomplishes a goal…and can be a blast! My aunt used to send us out, and we still sit on her covered porch during a ‘light shower’….for those unfamilar: that means no lightening or thunder!

By Will

June 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Jesses Girl, enjoy the Pinot, and the weekend! rain dance baby!

By Jennifer

June 1, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Lemondrop martini here, and I’ll dump my melted ice from the shaker into the shrubs. :)

By Egads

June 1, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Yeah, some Grand Marinier for me, please. I like to sip on my drinks for a while. ;-)

By Disgusted

June 1, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I hope you will reread your own blog and see what a rotten excuse for a “parent” you are. You took on the job of PARENTING and you should prepare your children to help make the world a better place. I wish your children could be given to a different parent instead of the way you describe yourself. Read something on ethics. Evaluate what your part in the world is and how you can make it a better place instead of raising more cheats in a country that has too many. And don’t come crying to those of us who warned you when your children grow up and their crimes are more obvious ones than yours are. This is exactly how little felons are raised and it sounds like you and your neighbors are the types who raise felons. I have made accurate predictions on this issue before and I see it coming so please change your ways and maybe it won’t be too late for your children to become decent human beings. An ethics book for you and maybe Dr. Spock for parenting guidance! Get busy!

By Disgusted

June 1, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I hope you will reread your own blog and see what a rotten excuse for a “parent” you are. You took on the job of PARENTING and you should prepare your children to help make the world a better place. I wish your children could be given to a different parent instead of the way you describe yourself. Read something on ethics. Evaluate what your part in the world is and how you can make it a better place instead of raising more cheats in a country that has too many. And don’t come crying to those of us who warned you when your children grow up and their crimes are more obvious ones than yours are. This is exactly how little felons are raised and it sounds like you and your neighbors are the types who raise felons. I have made accurate predictions on this issue before and I see it coming so please change your ways and maybe it won’t be too late for your children to become decent human beings. An ethics book for you and maybe Dr. Spock for parenting guidance! Get busy!

By knucklehead

June 1, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Watering Ban?? I observe a 24/7/365 watering ban—I pay too much for the water, I’m not going out and spill it back on the ground. Sorry—when the weather turns hot and dry — DON’T CUT GRASS—leave it long and it will rebound later. Outside watering is a waste of time and precious water— I’m the guy with the ugly yard and I DON’T CARE what the neighbors think—they are jerks who water their lawn anyway!

By Keith

June 1, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Seems like population density is the real issue. I have driven through parts of Alabama, Montana, North & South Dakota that are beautiful and you can drive for MILES without seeing a person or a house.

People should be given tax incentives to leave the larger cities and settle in these areas.

By Casey

June 4, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Can’t Theresa go back on maternity leave and have Keith come back? At least she doesn’t have the moral compas of Charles Manson.

By lovelyliz

June 4, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Let me get this straight. Breaking the law is okay as long as you are doing it for the pleasure of your children?!?!?!?!

Hubris anyone?

By dry dock

June 4, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

Keep on breaking the ban. Maybe the cities will end up like us with no water. We live in the county and don’t have the option of city or county water. We have a well, or we did until yesterday. Under normal conditions you would have to drill 150’ to hit water out here. We were told you cannot re-drill a well - you must drill a new one. They estimated that they might could hit water now at about 200’ but suggested we aim for 250’ just in case. The price for a new well not including the pump where we live is $30.00 per foot. total est. for 250’ is $7500. Keep breaking the ban. See where it gets you.

By D

June 4, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Let the kids play in the springlers. Look at the Govenor’s lawn, look at the flowers and the lawn @ the capitol and look at how many of our local businesses have beautiful green lawns, and tell me they only water when they are allowed. How many times do you think the fountains get refilled because the homeless bathe (and other things) in it. My lawn is almost dirt. so they can use my portion.

By Katie

June 4, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Theresa is some role model. How about educating your children on the reasons why they can’t have water parties? Drought!! Or even better, why not go to the Lake Lanier water park? That’s what it’s there for. Why be selfish? Oh yeah, you’re the typical selfish parent. You’ve lost my respect.

By Lindsay

June 4, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

If you only hold yourself to the standards of politicians you consider crooked, you might want to re-evaluate your ideals and also consider actually taking part in voting for your local officers. Especially those who are parents, trying to raise children with a sense of conscience. Don’t wait for someone else to set the example; set it yourself.

There is a critical drought in our state; denying that or suggesting this is a government conspiracy is simply a way to deny your own responsibility in the problem. Only 2.5% of the vast amount of water you refer to is actually usable water.

Yes, one person is just one person. But if all 8 million people in this state decide to adopt the attitude that they are “just one person” and we all started throwing our used tires on the side of the road, you’d see that 8 million adds up pretty quick. Don’t hide behind numbers; think about the future and not your own nihilism.

I find it very creative logic that more than one person has suggested he or she should be able to ignore the watering restrictions (increasing risks for Georgia’s honorable farmers and fire-fighters) because there are illegal immigrants in this country. You are not a rebel for ignoring the watering restrictions; you are dangerously unaware of the consequences of your actions.

Just from a sociological standpoint, I am curious how many of the people who are ignoring (or outright encouraging others to ignore) the water bans are Christians. Regardless of your faith, I’m pretty sure that the fundamentals would not instruct you to “do only as good as you see your corrupt neighbor doing.”

By HB

June 4, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I am stunned that parents would hold sprinkler/kiddie pool parties when the water ban is in place! I do remember how we coped during droughts when I was a kid, though. My grandfather had a vegetable garden that was at least partially exempt from ban restrictions (can food plants be watered under current restrictions?). He would set up the sprinkler in the gardens and let my cousins and I run between the rows as long as we were careful not to step on the plants. As an extra special treat some days, he would fill up the kiddie pool and let us splash around for an hour or so. Afterward, we would help him fill up watering cans from the pool to go water the plants. We had fun and learned an important lesson as he made it very clear to us how important the watering bans were during the drought. We knew water could not be used just for fun.

By Lindsay

June 4, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

According the the AJC on May 24, you can indeed water your food gardens. “State rules, and Atlanta’s, exempt personal food gardens and businesses that depend on water, including carwashes, plant nurseries and landscapers. Newly installed landscapes get a 30-day pass to get established.”

I have a lot of respect for your grandfather HB. I hope that attitude spreads around!

By Richard

June 6, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Theresa - why don’t you have the guts to answer your critics? It’s far easier for you ignore how wrong you are than to realize - you’re the jerk here!

By HaHa

June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Some of you people need to really get a life. I can’t believe there are people that seriously debate this. I wish I could see who you people are.