EPD reduces Drought Response from Level 2 to Level 1
(McDonough, GA – March 16, 2017) With drought conditions improving throughout Georgia, the state Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has eased outdoor water use restrictions for 86 counties, including Henry.
As a result, Henry County has been moved from a Level 2 to a Level 1 Drought Response. Thus, customers of the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) can resume daily outdoor watering of landscapes before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m., which are the restrictions outlined in the state’s Level 1 Drought Response currently in place.
“Winter rains have brought needed relief to much of the state,” says EPD Director Richard Dunn, who continued to encourage wise water use even as watering restrictions were alleviated for most communities in the state, except those dependent on the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier for water supply.
The HCWA owns and operates a network of five drinking water reservoirs, with a total storage capacity of 18 billion gallons of independent water supply.
During the recent March HCWA Board Meeting, Division Manager Pat Hembree reported the water levels within those reservoirs collectively have reached 95 percent of full pool. That amount of storage can meet HCWA customer drinking water demand for 550 days.
While HCWA customers benefit from plentiful water resources provided by Henry County Water, the Authority will continue its public education efforts promoting water conservation as a key form of compliance with the state’s Level 1 Drought Response Declaration.
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District provides a comprehensive regional water management plan for 93 cities and 15 counties, including Henry, within the Atlanta Region.
As an advocate for best water management planning and practices, the Metro Water District offers the following water conservation tips:
- Fix leaks immediately, inside and outside of your home. (The HCWA is hosting a Fix-A-Leak display and demonstrations at The Home Depot in Ellenwood the morning of March 18, in conjunction with national Fix-A-Leak Week, which is March 20-26.)
- Check your toilets for leaks, and please don’t use your toilet as a trash can.
- Don’t leave the tap running.
- Scrape dishes before washing them.
- Use the dishwasher and washing machine only for full loads.
- Choose efficient appliances (EPA WaterSense and Energy Star), such as washing machines and dishwashers.
- Replace older toilets and shower heads with high efficiency models.
- Only water plants when necessary.
- Reduce the amount of lawn (grass) in your landscape, using plants well adapted to our region instead.
- Adjust sprinklers so they only water your lawn and not the house, sidewalk, driveway or street.
For more information on wise water use and water conservation tips, check out the Metro Water District’s online resources at http://mydropcounts.org.
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