Atlanta Forward / Another View: Set aside funds for efficient solutions

By Jenny Hoffner

With U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson’s July 2012 deadline fast approaching, Gov. Nathan Deal has proposed allocating $300 million over the next four years to advance the implementation of water supply solutions. The governor is correct to invest in Georgia’s water supply future. But, given the tight time frame, he should take another step forward and include a 20 percent set-aside for implementation of water conservation and efficiency projects that will secure water now.

A precedent for such an effort has been set. For the past two years, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority has successfully administered the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds effort, setting aside 20 percent of the funds for “green projects,” including water efficiency projects. Over $26 million of Georgia’s stimulus funds supported local green projects in 2009 alone.

Given that the governor’s Water Contingency Task Force final report concluded that water conservation and efficiency is the least expensive means of securing water supply and is the only means through which Georgia can secure “new” water supply within the judge’s time frame, $60 million over four years could help close the gap and secure Georgia’s water supplies.

While all solutions warrant examination, new reservoirs take 10 or more years to develop and we need to secure our water supplies today. When a leak is fixed, or an outdated, wasteful toilet is replaced, new water is immediately available for upstream communities, for downstream communities and for our rivers.

This investment in water efficiency will demonstrate Georgia’s clear commitment to wise water management and water sharing. While the 2010 Georgia Water Stewardship Act was a significant step in the right direction for water efficiency and conservation in the state, it does not provide the funding to implement efficiency measures. Likewise, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District recently adopted additional conservation measures, such as expedited implementation of leak abatement work and multi-family toilet rebates, without related funding to implement the policies. A 20 percent set-aside in the governor’s water supply fund could go a long way toward implementing these new policies and securing significant water.

Throughout Georgia and metro Atlanta, there are communities with water conservation and efficiency projects that can create jobs and secure water now. Through targeted investment in conservation and efficiency, we can advance uncontested water supply solutions and effectively manage precious water resources.

By embracing 21st-century water conservation and efficiency solutions, Georgia will remain an inviting and thriving place to work, live and play for generations to come.

Jenny Hoffner is director of American Rivers’ water supply program, based in Decatur.