Building a state of water conservation: GA EPD strengthens water conservation in policy and planning

Abstract

Without water conservation, Georgia will not be able to meet instream and off stream water demands of the future. Water conservation is the “beneficial reduction in water use, waste and loss” (Vickers 2001) and is proven to be the most economical and environmentally protective management tool for meeting water supply challenges (Gleick et al. 2003, Levin et al. 2002, U.S. EPA 2002, Vickers 2001, Gleick 2000). Internationally and nationally, water management agencies are proactively investigating and adopting water conservation programs to safeguard water resources and ensure the long-term health of citizens and ecosystems. Water conservation has held a place in Georgia’s water management strategies for many years, but not until recently has it become an EPD priority. Georgia is embarking on a period of long-term water planning and policy-making unlike any before, and water conservation is at the forefront. This report outlines the documented benefits of conservation, emphasizes EPD’s directives to incorporate water conservation into comprehensive water planning, and highlights issues EPD will address throughout the planning process.