Gwinnett renews as a WaterFirst community

Gwinnett’s water conservation efforts have led to a renewal of the county’s designation as a ‘WaterFirst’ community. Gwinnett was the first agency in the state to join the voluntary partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in 2003. Average daily water use in single-family homes in Gwinnett dropped from 214 gallons per day in 2007 to 176 gallons in 2013, thanks to public education, rebates, incentives and a revised rate structure.

“The WaterFirst designation not only recognizes our efforts as a leading environmental steward, it also gives us access to reduced-rate state loans for building and updating our facilities,” said Water Resources Director Ron Seibenhener. Gwinnett commissioners approved the renewal application Tuesday.