City Stands Firmly Behind Water Conservation Efforts: A Message from City Manager John McDonough
It is clear, from a variety of recent communications, that residents of Sandy Springs understand the challenges facing our region regarding water. As a newer city, we share concerns about our state’s water crisis and are working to identify specific steps we can take at our level to address this critical issue. Our goal is simple: to ensure that the City of Sandy Springs continues to have access to an adequate potable water supply. We are currently in the process of evaluating the availability of the water supply in Sandy Springs, operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, and also reviewing best practices for water conservation in new construction. In addition, we are coordinating our public information strategy with other agencies. We are, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for expanding water storage capacity.
Governor Perdue Orders Utilities, Permit Holders to Reduce Water Use by 10 Percent
On October 23, Governor Sonny Perdue directed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to modify current surface water and groundwater withdrawal and drinking water permits to achieve a 10 percent reduction in withdrawals for permit holders in the 61 North Georgia counties covered under the Level 4 drought designation, which includes Fulton County. Permit holders will be required to reduce water withdrawals by 10 percent compared to the permit holders water usage of the last winter season (beginning of December 2006 through end of March 2007).
“In this unprecedented drought, we all have to pitch in and find ways to conserve our most precious resource,” Governor Sonny Perdue said. “A 10 percent reduction in water use is a first step, and we will continue to evaluate our drought response and encourage additional conservation as needed.” The revised permit restrictions will be in place beginning November 1 and will continue as necessary. Georgia EPD will enforce permit restrictions and impose fines for noncompliance.
Did You Realize That Residents and Businesses in the City of Sandy Springs Use About 18 Million Gallons of Water a Day?
In the face of rising costs for water and sewer services, conservation can be a way for residents to do a favor to the environment and to their pocketbook at the same time. Residents and businesses in Sandy Springs use about 9 million gallons of water each day, and more than 75 percent of this water is used in the bathroom. Click here for some useful tips on how to conserve water indoors. Also, for a list of conservation and drought-related Web sites, please visit www.sandyspringsga.org/drought.
In other news…
Transportation Projects Kicking Off For The Fall
The City of Sandy Springs will be holding public information meetings in November on several key projects. On Nov. 5, a 6 p.m. meeting at the Dorothy C. Benson Center will focus on Johnson Ferry Road Improvements (CIP T-0011). On Nov. 12 at Woodland Elementary, a 6:30 p.m. meeting will cover upcoming improvements on Peachtree Dunwoody Road, between Abernathy Road and Spalding Drive. The Dorothy Benson Center is located at 6500 Vernon Woods Drive,and Woodland Elementary is at 1130 Spalding Drive.
Annual Report Wins Golden Flame Award
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) honored SandySprings’ FY 2006 Annual Report with a Bronze Flame Award during their annual 2007 Golden Flame Award ceremony in Atlanta on Oct. 11. The 64-page, full-color report tells the story of the City’s first year accomplishments as well as shares financial data and at-a-glance facts about our City. To view the FY2006 Annual Report in electronic format, please visit www.sandyspringsga.org.