Taking a proactive approach to Georgia’s drought, the first meeting of the newly formed Dawson County Water Task Force was held November 2, 2007.

The Task Force, based on information from Etowah Water and Sewer Authority and the City of Dawsonville, reports that water supplies are currently stable. Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond stated there is no threat to public fire and health protection, but reminds citizens that the burn ban remains in effect until drought conditions cease.

“We must prepare ourselves for future water restriction mandates from the government if the drought continues,” said Thurmond. So far, citizens and businesses have reduced public water consumption by more than the 10% mandated November 1. “If the drought continues,” stated District One Commissioner Gary Pichon, we may have to reduce consumption by significantly larger amounts.”

The Dawson County Water Task Force meets again on November 30 at which time they will finalize both a water conservation plan as well as a “good neighbor” plan to assist neighboring counties should the need arise.

Meanwhile, everyone should continue conservation measures and look for other ways to conserve. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency offers the following indoor water conservation tips:

General

Never pour water down the drain. There are other uses for it.

Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. Every drop counts!

Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.

Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.

Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation. Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.

Kitchen

Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded.

Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.

Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.

Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).

Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.

Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)

Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

Laundry

Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

Bathroom

Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.

Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.

Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.

Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.