Gwinnett leaders debate water use, toilets
The merits of a county that earns money from its water utility promoting water conservation were debated by Gwinnett County commissioners Tuesday.
Commissioners were deciding whether to participate in the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s toilet rebate program, which aims to replace older fixtures with those that use less water.
Commissioner Tommy Hunter said he disagreed that Gwinnett should participate in the program, saying it was not a good business decision to encourage customers to use less of a product.
Chairman Charlotte Nash said the agreement was part of a much bigger plan to encourage water savings in a metro region that continues to be tied up in tri-state water wars. Gwinnett County withdraws water from Lake Lanier, which is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers.
“It doesn’t make sense from a business perspective, but we’re not in control of our product,” she said.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to participate in the toilet rebate program. Hunter voted against the measure.
About the Author
Arielle Kass covers Gwinnett County for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She started at the paper in 2010, and has covered business and local government beats around metro Atlanta. Arielle is a graduate of Emory University.
