ATLANTA WATER CONSERVATION, Part 1
A Proactive Management Of Water Supply

Conservation means many things to many people. Throughout this last year Atlanta, Georgia reduced its water usage by 24 percent (May 2007 - May 2008, Atlanta Department of Watershed Management). For many, it was a very quick lesson in conservation. The impressive numbers were, in large part, the result of the mandatory ban on outdoor watering - which can at times be attributed to 60-75% of our average summer water usage. However, the results of the ban on home and commercial gardens, trees and vegetation is still visibly noticeable, and the long-term after-effects are relatively unknown. For Atlanta, this coming Summer already does not look more promising.

By definition "conservation" generally has two meanings. The first involves keeping or protecting something from change or loss. The second has to do with the preservation, management and care of a natural resource.

In the case of the mandated ban on watering in Atlanta, we were "simply doing without." In cases of severe water shortage there oftentimes would appear to be no logical alternative. On the other hand, "doing without" is often simply very quick "fix" to what may be an ongoing and progressive problem. Even if we were to have record rains, the water problems of Atlanta (and all of Georgia for that matter) would not simply "go away."

At Atlanta Water Harvest, our understanding of water conservation involves a more proactive and, we believe, more reasonable and responsible approach to water management, whether it is within the confines of our own backyards or in the city parks. Through the harvesting of rainwater, and the recycling of grey water, we can actually "conserve" while preserving the natural beauty and ecology of our lives. By utilizing water storage systems (whether simple or sophisticated, whether filled by collection/harvesting, recycling or reuse) a property owner can have the ability to manage their usage more effectively and proactively. The bottom line is you can conserve and "water all you want" - but it does take an initiative.

Our culture as a nation is becoming more aware of "Being Green." We are becoming more aware of our influence on our environment, globally as well as in our own neighborhoods and towns. We are recycling more. We are learning to waste less. In line with this, rain water harvesting is becoming more acceptable and understandable. It will be the "rule" rather than the exception in the near future, not only in Atlanta but nationwide. In many areas of the United States, and in a growing number of other countries, the practices and advantages of water harvesting and landscape management have already become the norm, the status quo - and with overwhelming success.

Harvesting the rainwater from a typical rooftop can provide over 1,125 gallons of water from a single 1-inch rainfall. That same household could be nurturing and sustaining an abundant landscape with the proper management from that same single rainfall.

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Atlanta Water Harvest designs and installs rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling systems, and high-efficiency landscape irrigation systems. We serve the drought prone metro Atlanta and North Georgia areas with a variety of custom designed water conservation solutions that allow water users to cut their costs, avoid water restrictions, become more self-sufficient, and do something to positively impact the natural environment.