Water Conservation
In 2006, Georgia began experiencing the first stages of a drought that would become one of its worst in 100 years. Classified initially as a stage one, by 2007, the drought worsened to a stage four – the worst classification possible – and a state of emergency was declared in 85 northern counties, including Fulton.
During the drought, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division tightly restricted or prohibited outdoor watering, with few exceptions.
In June 2009, Georgia returned to a non-drought schedule for outdoor water use. However, this non-drought schedule still includes outdoor watering restrictions:
According to the Metropolitan North Georgia Water District Metro Atlanta depends on Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona for almost 75 percent of its water supply, either directly from the lakes or by releases to the Chattahoochee and Etowah rivers, respectively.
With almost 5.4 million people,* Metro Atlanta continues to be one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. Since 2000, Metro Atlanta has grown by over 1.1 million people – a 27 percent increase, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
On the heels of a historic drought, with demands on our water supply from an increasing population and active agricultural industry, the Georgia EPD continues to stress the need for water conservation.
The City of Johns Creek works with regional and state agencies to help further conservation efforts, while also focusing on protecting the water quality in our streams.
Useful links to water conservation information: