Local Government's Role in Water-Efficient Landscaping

Abstract

The Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Water Supply Plan assumes water conservation will be implemented; therefore, it is important to continually promote water conservation. A successful water conservation program should consider several elements, including education programs, water rate structures which encourage water savings, the use of water-saving plumbing fixtures and the promotion of water-efficient landscaping, also known as xeriscaping. The Atlanta Regional Commission has adopted updated water conservation policies regarding ultra-low-flow plumbing fixtures and water pricing. In the interest of continuing to work toward the achievement of water conservation goals, this paper reports on water-efficient landscaping as a water conservation measure and makes recommendations for implementation.