ALL WATER RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN GEORGIA
Carol Couch, Director of the Georgia EPD, announced today effective immediately all of Georgia has been moved to a non-drought response. This returns all outdoor water use to the Odd/Even water schedule with no hourly water restrictions.
EPD Director Carol Couch
The
announcement came following a meeting of the EPD drought response
committee. Couch will also be a keynote speaker at the GGIA Governor's
Mansion landscape dedication ceremony this afternoon along with GGIA
Executive Director Sherry Loudermilk and Governor Sonny Perdue.
EPD and others are taking the position that Georgian's have learned their lesson with respect to water conservation and are capable of making informed decisions about water use and efficiency now that the drought is over.
The position of GGIA will be to remain vigilant in our commitments to promoting efficient irrigation, best management practices and water conservation. We will also reaffirm our commitment to education, both of the industry and of the consumer. We may be out of the drought, but efficient use of water resources will be standard operating procedure for all industry members from this point forward.
Today's garden dedication is a prime example of the industry's commitment to conservation and demonstrates that beautiful, sustainable landscapes and water efficiency are not mutually exclusive terms. The garden encompasses best management practices in all aspects of design, preparation and installation and will be a lasting testament to the Georgia Green Industry, our members, and their ongoing dedication to water conservation across the state.
Today's announcement has been a long time coming. The effects of the drought and the subsequent water restrictions were a lesson learned for the industry. It is the hope of GGIA that our members will now see a much needed uptick in business and a change in the public perception. It's okay to garden again, as long as we remember to do it with conservation in mind.
