Impacts and Achievements

Since plan implementation, total water withdrawals in the region have dropped by 10 percent despite a 1.3 million increase in population. Our region’s per capita water use is lower than in Tallahassee, Birmingham and Montgomery.

Water quality and supply is dependent on policy, infrastructure and management. Our comprehensive approach to managing water for economic, environmental and social well-being is based on science, data and good stewardship. Regional water planning success relies on coordination and collaboration with the local governments and utilities that put Metro Water District planning into practice.

Through the implementation of strategies and recommendations outlined by the Metro Water District, we are making water conservation and pollution prevention a priority in north Georgia.

Water Planning in Action

Toilet Rebate Program Saves 2.2 Million Gallons of Water Per Day

In partnership with the Metro Water District, water providers have offered toilet rebate programs to single-family and multi-family residential customers who own properties built before 1993. Through this effort, more than 145,000 toilets have been replaced, saving 2.4 million gallons per day.

Conservation Pricing Contributes to Regional Decline in Per Capita Water Use

One hundred percent of Metro Water District water providers have implemented a multi-tiered conservation rate structure for single-family residents. Residential rates increase with greater consumption in order to encourage conservation among residents.

Car Wash Recycling Reduces Facility Water Use by 50 Percent

Local governments have adopted an ordinance requiring all new drive-through car washes to recycle water, reducing facility water use by 50 percent.

FOG Education

Local utilities have distributed over 200,000 door hangers to residents since 2010 providing education on the negative impact of fats, oils and grease on sewer pipes. Since 2000, the percentage of documented sewer overflows traced to grease-related clogs has continued to decline.