GOAL 20: Encourage individual water conservation through efficient household use of water resources.
INDICATOR: Number of local ordinances restricting water use
Why is this important?
Local ordinances restricting water use encourage individual water conservation through efficient residential use and also serve as a reminder of the region-wide need to use water resources wisely.
How are we doing?
As of August 2004, all 10 counties and some 25 municipalities in the region had established rules to conform to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's requirement that Georgians limit outdoor water use year-round. (The Georgia Board of Natural Resources adopted the new "Rules for Outdoor Water Use" on May 26, 2004.) The program sets out a simple odd/even watering system that allows homeowners to water three days a week, with no watering on Fridays.
Some jurisdictions limit the hours property owners may water in addition to the odd-even limitations on the days of the week.
Many local governments promote outdoor water restrictions with newsletters, educational outreach promoting individual conservation and stewardship of water resources, and targeted public awareness campaigns. According to our online survey of governments in 2005, at least four local governments offer incentive-based pricing for water, and several governments have "leak repair" programs, plumbing fixture retrofit programs and water reuse and recycling initiatives as well.
Environmental Sustainability
