Atlanta Forward / Another View: Water efficiency delivers supply at lower cost

By Jenny Hoffner

Is anything more fundamental to our health and the health of our communities than enough clean water? A reliable, predictable clean water supply is essential for metro Atlanta’s economic growth, environmental integrity and quality of life, now and into the future.

So how can metro Atlanta secure the water it needs to continue to prosper? Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Water Stewardship Act is a good start. In many ways it puts Georgia ahead of most states in terms of statewide water efficiency policy. But in light of Judge Magnuson’s 2012 deadline putting Atlanta’s future access to Lake Lanier’s water supply in jeopardy, we need to go further.

It has been proven many times over in communities across the Southeast and the country that water efficiency can consistently secure significant quantities of water. Water efficiency is not just a good thing to do (though it is, and will clearly play well with our neighboring downstream states in negotiations) — it can get us the water we need. American Rivers did an analysis using well-tested practices already in use in many communities, and determined that by implementing simple water efficiency policies, metro Atlanta alone could save as much as 210 million gallons per day — more than an entire new Lake Lanier.

This hidden reservoir exists, but we must make the investments to tap its supply. Water secured through efficiency costs significantly less than water secured through reservoirs. Water efficiency on average costs between 46 cents to $250 per 1,000 gallons, while reservoirs can cost upward of $4,000 per 1,000 gallons. The bottom line is, we need to commit to water efficiency, invest wisely, and get the most bang for our buck.

The Water Stewardship Act is an important step forward, but we must do more. The act’s four water efficiency measures alone will yield only modest amounts of water, essentially a 3.5 percent savings over 25 years, or 23.4 million gallons per day. For comparison purposes, other metro areas have saved significantly more: Boston, 33 percent in 29 years, New York City, 26 percent in 15 years; and Seattle, 26 percent in 19 years.

We need to invest in our water future now and build on this forward momentum by implementing more of the recommendations outlined in the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force report. Our next steps should be to stop wasteful water system leaks. Metro Atlanta loses 117 million gallons per day to leaks. Most of this could be eliminated through proven and effective leak repair and maintenance programs. In addition, we should retrofit older buildings with water-efficient fixtures. Retrofitting buildings through incentives such as rebates and tax holidays generate proven, reliable and significant water savings that could save metro Atlanta between 36 million to 55 million gallons per day.

If metro Atlanta adopts these and other water efficiency solutions, we will save water and money while promoting our short- and long-term water security. It’s a solution that works for all of Georgia and one we should pursue aggressively. Our economy, quality of life, and environment depend on it.

Jenny Hoffner is director of the water supply program at American Rivers in Decatur.