Dry Faucets may be 3 Years Off

August 12, 2009 | Water Efficiency

Angela Dicianno
Communications Associate

Metro Atlanta has, in recent years, faced more frequent and severe droughts and now, due to a recent court decision, has a clear opportunity to embark on a path towards sustainable water management. 

On July 17, U.S. District Court Judge Magnuson ruled that Metro Atlanta is not authorized to withdraw water from Lake Lanier for their water supply. 

This decision was inevitable.  Lake Lanier was never authorized for water supply purposes.  Georgia must accept this call to action to begin using water resources more efficiently. 

Water efficiency would allow Metro Atlanta, and other impacted communities, to maintain their high quality of life using less water.  For example, as highlighted last year in American Rivers’ report, if Metro Atlanta implemented water efficiency, it could save up to a third of the region’s current water consumption – that’s the equivalent of an entire new Lake Lanier.

Some are calling for new reservoirs and water efficiency remains relegated to an after thought in the discussions around Georgia’s next steps. But new reservoirs take years to build, are expensive, and are inflexible to a changing climate.  Water efficiency can be implemented now, at a fraction of the cost, which is especially important in our current economic climate. 

With this decision, Congress has an unprecedented opportunity to chart a new, 21st century approach for water resources in the Southeast and beyond.  American Rivers is working to ensure that any resolution includes water efficiency, healthy river flows, and adaptive management for climate change. 

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