Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Watershed Management Commissioner Robert Hunter recently warned City water customers that Georgia’s current water shortage “is not a test” and conservation of the state’s resources is critical to managing the drought.

The City of Atlanta will be monitoring the illegal use of water.  After an initial written warning, customers will receive escalating administrative penalties of $100, $500 and $1,000. For a list of violations, visit www.atlantawatershed.org. 

Indoor Water Conservation Tips:  

• Take a “Navy” shower. Rinse, turn water off, soap up, turn water on and rinse again.
• Gentlemen - shave in the sink. Ladies - if this is too acrobatic, shave in the shower, but do so during the “soap-up” portion of the “Navy” shower.
• Do like Mayor Franklin and keep a 10-gallon bucket in your shower. When it is full, water outdoor plants. You can also keep a bucket in your kitchen. Pour water you would normally pour down the sink into the bucket.
• Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth.
• Dispose of floor sweepings in the trash, not the toilet.
• If you have an ancient toilet, consider switching it for a new, water-conserving model. If this home improvement project isn’t in the budget, at least make sure your toilet isn’t running when it shouldn’t be. If it is, replace the flapper mechanism inside the tank. This inexpensive fix could save you gallons of water each week – and reduce your water bill.
• Hand-wash your dishes. Fill one sink with soapy water and one sink with rinse water. If you have to use your dishwasher, make sure it is full before running it.
• Turn in your top-loading washing machine for a much more efficient front-loading model. Top-loading machines can use as much as 40 gallons per wash, while front-loading models use less than 20. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Don’t run your washing machine if it isn’t full.
• Use your food disposal unit sparingly. Instead, create a compost pile. You will waste less water and have compost to use on your landscaping once the drought is over!

For more information about water conservation, call 404.589.2684.