Clayton water recycling gets national praise

By Dan Chapman

The Atlanta Journal Constitution

A river-protection organization Thursday names Clayton County one of the nation’s top “water smart” communities.

American Rivers, a conservation nonprofit, cites the county’s innovative water recycling system as a “green solution” for cleaner, less wasteful water. Clayton was also cited for better withstanding the drought than most North Georgia communities.

“Georgia and the nation are at a transformational moment for rivers and water infrastructure, and Clayton County is forging the path to a healthier, more secure future,” Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers, said in a statement.

Clayton officials began drought-proofing the county two decades ago. Today, an elaborate patchwork of man-made wetlands and reservoirs allows Clayton to turn millions of gallons of waste water daily into drinking water.

During the drought, Clayton maintained a 230-day supply of water; Lake Lanier shrank to a 90-day supply, according to American Rivers.

The environmental group also releases a report today titled “Natural Security: How Sustainable Water Strategies Are Preparing Communities for Climate Change.”

Other “water-smart” communities include Portland, Ore., Boston, Staten Island, N.Y., and Seattle.