The ERS Blog

I’m back. It is as if I never left, the problems remain the same just different years and locations.

Life is cyclical as are droughts and floods. Here we are in 2011…flooding in the Midwest and Dakotas…droughts in Southwest.

This site was dedicated to examining from a scientific and technical perspective some of our biggest challenges–water resources. Droughts and floods and why we stay perplexed by these chronic issues. Or, why are our best technical and scientific solutions not put in place?

Since I live in metropolitan Atlanta-in our back yard is our major water supply Lake Lanier. Back in 2009, a federal judge, Judge Manguson ruled that in 2012 Atlanta would not be able to use Lake Lanier to meet their water needs.

Since that infamous decision, Alabama and Florida thought they had won. They waited and watched on how Atlanta would manage. Even though Georgia has received more rain and pulled out of the drought..there was not a ready made plan on how to supply water with less than a year or so to go.

Sudden turn of events, June 28, 2011–an appeals court overrules the decision, saying supplying metro Atlanta water was an intended use for the lake.

http://news.yahoo.com/us-court-tosses-water-restriction-metro-atlanta-213006519.html?bouchon=524,ga

July 3rd, on the front page of Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Sunday Edition)–Water Fight’s Long and Winding Road.

For decades, the Army Corps of Engineers-over strenuous objections by Georgia’s two neighbors-has allowed metro Atlanta to take water form the lake or downstream from Burford Dam. On Tuesday, a three judge panel gave the corps clear marching orders: determine, once and for all, how much of Lake Lanier’s water metro Atlanta should get.

Do you really think this is over after 21 years of fighting?

More to come…

Last week we read that the three governors were in talks and trying to reach an agreement on the Tri-State Water War as the federal judge had urged back in July 2009. If the governors could not resolve the conflict, then the judge said it would need to go to Congress. The talks were asked to be private or “secret” with little press coverage. The judge has agreed to the uproar of some conservation groups.

http://www.ajc.com/news/judge-states-water-talks-270323.html

In case you have not been following this water war and the accompanying litigation, the following blog from Mr. Fournier J. Gale, III with the American College of Environmental Lawyers gives an excellent recap:

http://www.acoel.org/admin/trackback/175401

Now, Governor Sonny Perdue seems optimistic that an agreement will be made between the Alabama governor, Mr. Bob Riley and Florida governor, Mr. Charlie Crist. Governor Perdue is confident he will get some legislation passed during this 2010 legislative session or a special session to put an end to the bickering between the states. As expanded in the AJC article below:

http://www.ajc.com/news/perdue-willing-to-call-273191.html

This indeed would be a wonderful political feat–but where exactly does that put our progress toward realistically finding a solution to our water supply needs. Droughts and floods come and go–and somewhere in-between the public forgets about water. Georgia is moving closer…hopefully we will end the litigations and move on to using limited funds for some tangible technical solutions and good water management.

The Georgia legislative session started on Monday, January 11th and it will be a very busy year. Like other states, Georgia is facing tough decisions with budget shortfalls.

Atlanta area had a hint of future water infrastructure problems

Atlanta area just went through a dusting of snow and ice last week…now it is dealing with some water infrastructure problems like bursting pipes because of the warmer temps with nights still below freezing. City of Atlanta apparently had several trucks in repair so that sand could not be put down on the roads during the height of the storm. Meanwhile, the pipes were bursting or causing traffic problems around the City.

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/atlanta-ice-crews-struggle-272679.html

Happy New Year! We are off and running to another year–a decade behind us–and plenty ahead. Regionally, we have plenty of water issues. Here are some highlights and some of my forecasts.

Tri-State Water War

Has anything changed? Georgia is still in a costly litigation with the top lawyer billing out around $800/ hour for his services. Georgia says they are looking for an agreement with Alabama and Florida (see article below). However, the Governor is sticking with litigation as the most viable option for now. Atlanta and Georgia have less than 3 years to come up with a water supply for Atlanta other than Lake Lanier. After the Governor Perdue, last year assembled a controversial Task Force to weigh in on potential solutions. The Task Force conclusion may send any Atlantans running for cover:

A task force Perdue set up to study alternatives announced last week that none of the options it has studied could make up for the loss of drinking water from Lake Lanier by 2012. Instead, the task force is considering costly options to cover the gap in 2015 or 2020. Perdue declared Friday that Georgia’s best option is to fight to keep Lanier the Atlanta region’s main source of drinking water.

www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/three-governors-say-a-241962.html

Additionally, other reports submitted to the Governor Perdue last year estimated that the water war could cost Atlanta businesses $39 billion USD based on losing 280 million gallons per day from Lake Lanier.
www.gpb.org/news/2009/11/23/billions-at-stake-in-water-war

Georgia has been proactive setting up the laws and a comprehensive framework to work on these issues. Just take a look at the Statewide Water Planning efforts ongoing and upcoming that is open and available to the public:

www.georgiawaterplanning.org/

This is a war not only about water but also about economics and growth opportunities in the future for not only Georgia but for the region. Will corporations want to locate to areas where there is not a good source of water for their operations and their employees?

ERS 2010 Forecast No. 1:

Water war will escalate—technology options losing plausibility with each passing day. Average citizens do not understand the implications. Federal solutions may be looming…if the three states do not come to terms.

Climate Change /Energy Progress

In the Atlanta area, all most will tell you are that it has been the rainiest season on record and this cold snap is very unusual for the area and region. Between floods and freezing weather, most residents are more tuned in to the Atlanta regions—infrastructure woes. In the water industry, infrastructure design and maintenance is paramount and many metropolitan areas are grappling with how to replace aging infrastructure with limited budgets and staffs.

www.ajc.com/news/frigid-weather-rupturing-water-266315.html

Then going back to the last blog, the Climate Change (remember it use to be called Global Warming) conference in Denmark was going on at the same time many areas of the US were being slammed with blizzards. So what did happen in Denmark?

“Copenhagen Accord”, this agreement emerged as the primary achievement of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The non-binding agreement calls for deep cuts in global emissions of greenhouse gases so as to hold the increase in global temperature below 2°C, and it calls for industrialized countries to determine their economy-wide emissions targets for 2020 and submit them to the United Nations by the end of January. A number of developing countries, including the major emerging economies, also agreed to list their voluntary pledges to reduce emissions by the end of January and agreed to communicate their efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions every two years.

According to the secretariat of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Copenhagen Accord was agreed to by a majority of countries, although the entire Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (consisting of 194 countries) agreed only to “take note” of the accord. The next Conference of the Parties will be held in Mexico, starting on November 29, 2010. See the UNFCCC press release (PDF 178 KB).

Locally, how does this translate to the average citizen? Well, our main regional utility, Southern Company Services, has received federal funding to work on converting their coal fired plants to biomass. And, they are also engaging in projects for “carbon sequestration” that will enable them to be compliant with global emissions and carbon trading. Southern is also working on Smart Grid initiatives which will include installation of smart meters for residential customers through Georgia Power.

Another corporate giant, GE, has been building a presence in the energy market from wind turbines to other renewable energy work. In Atlanta area, it is growing a major market and preparing for some of these upcoming federal stimulus packages and energy opportunities.

http://ajc.com/business/ge-to-boost-atlanta-267729.html

As part of the Recovery Act, the federal government and DOE continue funding announcing today, January 6 — the Department of Energy is awarding $47 million for 14 projects across the country to support the development of new technologies that can improve energy efficiency in the information technology (IT) and communication technology sectors. The energy efficiency projects announced today will reduce energy use and carbon pollution, while helping to develop a strong, competitive domestic industry.

ERS 2010 Forecast No. 2:

Energy costs will start rising as major corporations offset costs of compliance to the average consumer. Keep in mind the federal legislation focused on carbon cap and trade has not been passed. It has been tabled for now but will probably be reintroduced in 2010.

Water Quality

What are some of the biggest challenges we currently face in water quality for safe drinking water and recreational and fishing use? US Environmental Protection Agency dictates what will be federally regulated in waterways throughout the USA via the Clean Water Act and accompanying federal regulations. Each State also has it’s own set of specific water quality regulations that may be even more stringent than federal regulations.

Today, this blog focuses on two related water quality issues—cyanobacteria and phosphorous.
What we see are often the results of deteriorating water quality? For example, algal blooms (blue-green alage) will often appear sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly . Cyanobacteria is one type that can lead to toxic blooms to people and fish. Satellite technology and detection is now able to detect these types of blooms down to the parts per billion accurately.

Phosphorous damages lakes in several ways, mostly by feeding the growth of excessive algae. Large algae blooms are unsightly and nuisances for swimmers and boaters. Algae reduce lake clarity, make it hard for other water plants to survive and – when they decompose – deplete oxygen in the lakes’ deepest reaches. Major sources of phosphorus in lakes and rivers are agricultural runoff from cropland and pasture, feedlots and farm tiles; human waste products from sewage treatment plants and septic systems; atmospheric deposition; commercial and industrial processing; and stream bank erosion. Satellite technology and imagery can detect phosphorous on land and in water.

Anyone living along the Gulf Coast knows about “red tides” or these types of fish kills. Detecting these types of blooms in salt water is an ongoing process, it may help us understand better incidents described below:

www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.cf6b162302aa0bd51e4f1572c1ed4766.8e1&show_article=1

ERS 2010 Forecast No. 3:

Satellite imagery and detection is becoming more refined and will eventually play a big role in remote capture of water quality and potential sources of pollution leading to better water quality management.

The year ahead will be busy. Let us not get sidetracked and loose the importance of good water supply and water quality to the public. Many technicians, engineers, and scientist who work in the industry have practical solutions. Politics mires many good efforts. It is easy for us to step away and become complacent. With time running out, we will stay diligent and persistent in our efforts to inform and provide positive technical solutions.

If your December has not been busy enough watching the wars, economy, US health reform, unemployment… You may be shopping or tying up loose ends at work or home before beginning to wind down to what we all hope will be a peaceful and uneventful Christmas/Holiday season……

Here are some important policy changes that may be coming your way while you are distracted or not paying attention….

Tri-State Water Wars

It just keeps going on and on….if you do not remember Atlanta and Georgia had 3 years counting down from July 2009 to come up with a water source other than Lake Lanier to supply the water needs of Atlanta, Georgia –a metropolitan area of over 5 million people encompassing approximately 20 counties. The Federal ruling specifically asked for the Governors of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida to work out a compromise and get busy or it would have to go to Congress. So, finally on December 15th the three Governor’s meet (see December News items posted on this site for more info). There has been chatter back and forth about Governor Sonny Perdue’s selection of his task force of over 20 pedigree corporate representatives to help find a resolution to this situation. The following article summarizes some of their efforts to date:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1377811.html

As a citizen, scientist, and business owner, one has to look upon this as a highly political event with very prominent agendas at stake. In the end, back to reality, with all the rain Atlanta has had lately, the average person is thinking the drought is over and we are back to our old comfortable lifestyles again. The truth is that Georgia has lost critical time over the years to implement any reasonable technical solutions that have been presented over the years. Is it too late? Some groups have become fed up with the process and want to bring an end to these wars:

http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=225163

Is there still time to do something productive that will not lose us more money thrown to litigations or trying to slow the inevitable problem–Atlanta grew too fast and is struggling with how to shore up it’s water supply for the area. Also, it is not just Georgia against Florida and Alabama in this feud. As the 2012 deadline looms it will be the citizens downstream of Atlanta that will grow more concerned as Atlanta looks to their water sources. Conservation is an important start as we all learned during the drought. However, conservation is not a solution in and of itself. As a Southern, it seems we need to think beyond our respective state boundaries to a regional focus and management of our water resources. Is this possible? More to come…..

UN Climate Change Conference in Copehagan Denmark

Lots of people gathered in Denmark focused on furthering UN Global Climate Change policy to lessen the amount of carbon emissions from respective countries. Do you remember Al Gore who championed an “Inconvenient Truth” and lead a movement to bring us all global warming awareness that has now been relabeled climate change? It is now front and center of global policy that will have reverbarations for many years if some of these hidden agendas are actually endorsed by our world leaders. Scientist cannot agree on the data if there is indeed significant climate change–but lots of studies as we speak are being funded for this very purpose. Here is an update from the conference to give you a flavor:

http://www.cemtralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=21923

SMART GRID

Do you know that there are other important policies tied in with UN Climate Change Conference, how about Smart Grid? What is Smart Grid? It is a means of energy efficiency from distribution systems down to consumers that will be controlled by utility companies and others who supply energy.

http://www.smartgreengrid.org/COP-15/

Lately, I have attended two local conferences to gain more understanding of Smart Grid. It is so big—as are many of the companies who are already deeply engaged–like Southern Company, GE Energy, Siemens, Landis-Gyr and Lockheed Martin…

Dr. Deepak Divan, a Georgia Tech professor and Director of Intelligent Power Infrastructure Consortium, offered some of the following points:

International Energy Agency forecast 30% load growth in 25 years
-Drivers for Smart Grid: autos, climate, and energy demand
-Utility investment is <1% of total R&D
-$7.5 billion USD to be spent on Smart Grid
-Challenges: Existing energy grid has to be updated, cost of implementation >$200 billion, smart grid will allow sophisticated market functions (like cost offsets with carbon), without smart grid sustainable energy economy will not be possible.

Southern Company Services

generation of smart power–operational efficiency-
-look at demand side management
-services aimed at reducing risk for utilities
-Utilities will be producing new jobs (vendors for installation of smart meters, enhancing distribution lines, engineers to manage and analyze smart grid)
-Create value proposition for customers through education and cost offsets (with renewables: solar, wind,etc.)
-Iterative process with implementations
-Southern Company received a US grant for $360 million USD of which $78 million spent in Georgia, approximately 2 million smart meters will be installed for Georgia customers to gain efficiency

We hear it…but do you know what it is or how it will affect your private life soon? Meters will help you control your energy consumption in your home down to the smallest appliance. Landis-Gyr says they are already having successful pilots in Texas using installed meters. In Georgia, it is not only electricty but water meters that are will be tested. Cobb County has been testing water meters to gain efficiency…

Here is the Department of Energy’s guide to the Smart Grid program:

http://www.www.oe.energy.gov/SmartGridIntroduction.htm

Wow, okay, that should be enough to start your holidays on the right foot….
Be on the look out for what happens in these policy areas in the New Year. It is very important. Energy and Water policies are very tied together. Our jobs, growth, and future quality of life locally, regionally, and globally will be impacted by these decisions.

Happy Holidays!

Yesterday, over 200 people attended a conference presented by Georgia State University (GSU) J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Economic Forecasting Center held at the GSU Student Center, entitled:
“Post Recessionary Stress Disorder–What to Expect and How to Cope”.

As a first time attendee, it was an honor and a pleasure to hear the esteemed panel of speakers:

Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, Director of the Economic Forecasting Center, GSU

David Altig, Senior Vice President of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Dr. Bill Custer, Director of Center for Health Services Research, GSU

Frank Norton, Jr. President, The Norton Agency

For any business person and citizen, the opportunity to hear such experts in their fields discuss what our current economic conditions and future prognosis helps us all plan and prepare. The speakers were very diverse with different styles–but they did not hold back. Even though the presentations were entertaining and the crowd laughed at several jokes, it could not belie the collective uneasiness and tension of hearing the sobering truth of our reality here in Atlanta, Georgia the capital of the South. Each of us in the room are directly and indirectly impacted daily with the gravity of the situation we are facing as a city and state. Each speaker had a glimmer of hope. Overall, next year will be tough, we were told, mainly due to the credit conditions and unemployment numbers not peaking. Below are some select summaries, from my notes, at yesterday’s event.

David Altich reviewed several historical trends and revised his economic forecast down from 3 % growth.

Pessimissm now is warranted. It will eventually get better, but it will be a slow transition period mainly due to unemployment (especially permanent job lots lost that will never return) and underemployment significantly higher than in previous recessions. Bank credit roadblocks will impact small businesses the most who have traditionally led us out of recessions through job creation. Federal Reserve policy changes will be slow due to the non-peaking of unemployment.

Bill Custer offered some very interesting statistics and insights on Health Care Reform.

Health Care as a percentage of GDP is increasing over time in comparison to Energy as a percentage of GDP has been decreasing. The typical US model of the employer covering employees is changing rapidly with each year seeing the burden out-of-pocket going more to employees. More employees are opting out of plans offered as prices increase as are employers willing to offer plans (especially small businesses). The current Health Care Reform shares much of the same platform emphasized back in 1992 which was a driver after that recession. Subsidizing the uninsured in Georgia is not sustainable. Health Care Reform should be more focused on changing incentives for providers on health care delivery system.

Frank Norton, Real Estate Broker shared some new terms (for those not in real estate) and trends they are seeing. He had an optimistic outlook especially for those investors and people who had cash to invest in distressed properties.

Metro Atlanta encompasses a 22 county area. There is the “core” and then there are the “exhurbs”that ring the core. Overall there has been a trend of growth northward towards the exurbs (notably Forsyth County) over the years. Currently, we are seeing a slowdown in construction. New housing starts will not turn around until banks start releasing money to developers and builders again. There are pockets of new housing starts in strategically build areas near premier elementary school zones and at a certain price point. It will take at least another 16 months before we see a stablized housing market. He thinks the inventory is at a bottom. Land lot prices should decrease back to more realistic levels. The glimmer of hope is the entry market homes under $150,000 which are selling strong and continued growth in the exhurbs.

Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, has a very charming way of delivering bad news.

He was not as concerned about the federal deficit or it’s impact on potential inflation. He instead focused on what he thought the driver is that will predict the outcome and timing of our current situation–the clean-up of the banking system–especially the zombie banks. In the meantime, we should all expect higher taxes coming in one form or another, unemployment to climb higher into next year, and more stimulus programs from the government. Jobs may not be back to normal again until 2014. The credit crunch is preventing growth. For example, the investment in tech equipment and software as a percentage of GDP typically leads to growth–but it also depends on the availability of credit.

Please read Dr. Dhawan’s press release here. If you have a chance to hear him in person, he is an excellent and entertaining speaker. He is also very approachable and will help you understand the nuances of his forecast.

http://www.robinson.gsu.edu/news/09/efc1109.html

The next Economic Forecasting Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

In today’s Atlanta Journal Constitution, glares the top headline:

ATLANTA A LOSER IN WATER WARS

http://www.ajc.com/news/federal-judge-rules-against-94051.html

It has been a long protracted water dispute between neighboring states of Alabama, Georgia and Florida 20 plus years that ended up in litigation and pushed Alabama and Georgia to start formulating their own comprehensive state-wide water management plans.

Many, especially in Georgia, have forgotten about water since the drought officially ended in April of this year. After all, Lake Lanier is full, summer is on, and today is a cool Fall-like day. No one can anticipate what a blow this will be to the State of Georgia and especially Atlanta.

Judge Magnuson, an impartial unbiased judge, decided the fate of this protracted water dispute. The dispute revolves around water flows going downstream from Lake Lanier to neighboring Alabama and Georgia. At the core of the case, did Georgia have the rights to draw water supply from Lake Lanier for its burgeoning population without consideration for the rights of downstream stakeholders in Florida and Alabama?

In a landmark decision, the judge ruled that Alabama, Georgia and Florida have 3 years to formulate a water plan during which time Congress will have to approve of any water use agreements. Congress would also need to approve the reallocation of water storage in Lake Lanier a reservoir run by the US Army Corp of Engineers. If this were not completed in the three-year timeframe, then the policy would revert to allowing the water supply rights only to Gainesville and Buford, Georgia. Metropolitan Atlanta–which covers a 15-county area, would be run aground “high and dry” with no major water supply source. Now, to give justice to the case, please take a minute and read the three top stories from Florida and Alabama:

Jacksonville Observer (FLORIDA)

http://jaxobserver.com/2009/07/18/federal-judge-congress-must-ok-atlanta-water-use

Birmingham News (ALABAMA)

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/statebriefs.ssf?/base/news/1247904933110970.xml&coll=2#continue

Atlanta has had twenty years of economic growth and many warning signs along the way of potential water shortages or not having an adequate water supply for the current population of approximately 5 million. Anyone in local and state government knows all to well the exercise of preparing budgets and allocating resources. In this case, one resource, water, was taken for granted for way too long. The water valve has been closed–temporarily by the drought and now permanently by this decision. Several plans submitted over the years will be re-reviewed. New plans are in the works. The reality is that new infrastructure projects (like building new reservoirs) do take time and money.

For history buffs, water sources are the natural gathering spots for agriculture and cities to flourish. Without water, economic growth is difficult. In today’s world, fresh water/drinking water is a hot commodity. Something we perceived as abundant is suddenly scarce–abundance vs. scarcity–how do we distribute such a commodity to a population? When there is abundance, you never have to worry about who gets what or how much. However, now we are upside down, inverted, looking scarcity straight in the eye. Wondering, how did we get in this predicament and how are we going to get out? Justice, equality, sharing, allocating these are the body politic and ideals of government. Now, our individual rights evolve into community rights and our community rights to state and national rights.

So, as a citizen in Georgia, Alabama and/or Florida the fate of how much water I will receive at my residential home for watering my garden, flushing my toilet, doing my laundry will be determined by future water policy. It goes on …Regulations are created that reflect the water policy and laws. These regulations will affect the water use of local industries, farmers, etc. What about water conservation? In previous blogs, it was documented that water conservation efforts were successful during the drought years. Water conservation does help and it may be returning in a big way now that water management districts have been established in Georgia.

Water policy is a sleeper because in the South we never really looked at scarcity before. It was a problem in the West, places like California, Nevada–those dry, desert places. Scarcity breeds fear and fear leads to hasty irrational decisions. The problem is finally out in the open. Now, there is time for some major collaboration efforts to create some sound water policy that will be beneficial for all. It is a real opportunity for some fresh insights, good planning, and policy formulation that will lead us in a positive direction.

With summer vacations and holidays, it is difficult for most of us to keep well-informed on potential public policies and meetings that will impact our daily lives in the near future. This blog packs in three topics that may seem very unrelated but have come up at the end of June and early July 2009:

1. Fulton County, Georgia Public Hearings Planned on Water and Sewer Plan (AJC, Saturday, July 11, 2009, pg B3):

The Water Services Division of the Fulton County Department of Public Works is hosting five public meetings beginning on July 13, 2009 to listen to residents on the annual update of the county’s water and sewer capital plan. The meetings will be:
* 7 p.m., Monday, Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, NE, Sandy Springs;
* 7 p.m., Tuesday, South Fulton Service Center Auditorium, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park;
* 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Northview High School, 10625 Parson Road, Johns Creek;
* 6:30 p.m., July 23rd, Roswell High School, Media Center, 11595 King Road, Roswell

One major infrastructure project I am aware of is the Water Tower at Prichard Mountain because it is literally in my backyard. The tower was installed to supplement public water supply in the area and to provide additional water pressure for water pipes.

New Fulton Co. GA water tower at Prichard Mountain

2. Cap and Trade Bill passes House by narrow margin and goes to Senate for vote

What is the Cap and Trade Bill? What does it mean to me as an average citizen? Locally, my representative Congressman Tom Price voted against this bill. It is supported heavily by those individuals and organizations that support the concept of global warming. For your own edification, you should become well-informed on what this bill entails and how many aspects of the economy it will impact in the near-term. The link below is a good summary of the Bill and provides a timeline from initial draft to passage in the House in June 2009:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR02454:@@@L&summ2=m&

3. Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration has been under pilot study by the Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal/state agencies. It may become more common in the near term. Here is a brief description for those not aware of the program:

http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_Sequestration

From a water policy standpoint, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations covering underground injection wells for carbon sequestration may be added/changed. You can find this at USEPA website, Spring 2009 EPA Regulatory Agenda, pg. 144:

http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/howto/index.html#planagenda

Another important milestone in the above proposed regulatory changes, are notice of the SDWA Second 6 Year Review of Existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, pg. 140. These are the regulations that public water utilities and consulting companies use to determine if your water is clean or meets national drinking water acceptable limits.

For anyone that has been in a drought or lived with water restrictions–it does impact your way of life. In the southeastern USA, we have always lived close to lakes, rivers, and the ocean. It is normally green because of all the trees and vegetation in suburbia and in the country. Water was something we just took for granted as relatively free and abundant. It was cheap entertainment to load up a group and go to the local lake or beach and enjoy long lazy summer afternoons and weekends. There were always water fountains and showers at public parks. In the winter and spring we enjoyed rain and in the summer the typical buildup of afternoon thunderstorms.

With more demand and less rainfall over the last 3 years, we learned that water is not always abundant. So, we had to adjust our lifestyle. And, we learned to live frugally with our water. People would swap stories about how much water they saved doing this technique or how much water they collected in their rain barrel. Or, how their vegetables still survived with minimal watering….

Our drought in Georgia was officially declared over in April 2009. Today is the first day of summer—do you know where anyone in their right mind is today–they are at a local lake enjoying the first decent summer day with local lakes almost at full pool. The horrid reminders of beached boats and mudflats are erased for today. Life goes back to normal. Even our watering restrictions are just about gone…
Oh boy, we don’t have to worry about water anymore….or do we?

It is amazing how resilient we are when we put our mind to it. With water conservation measures, people really did cut back and it showed. For example, in Athens, Georgia– home of the University of Georgia– they reduced their water consumption by 20 percent, in fact:

On the average day in 2008, the Public Utilities Department pumped about 11.5 million gallons of water into the system, 3.6 million less than in 2006, Public Utilities Director Gary Duck Duck said.

www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/2990229

With the drought, anyone who was interested in gardening or landscaping learned about xeriscaping–or planting drought-tolerant plants.

http://www.p2pays.org/ref/18/17807.htm

We also learned about low-flow shower heads and toliets. And, then there are really nifty sites we found that can quote 100 ways to save water:

www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php

www.conservewatergeorgia.net/documents/indiv_tools.html>

Did you know that the average American uses approximately 1,190 gallons/day? You can calculate your water footprint or how much water your household consumes with this handy calculator:

www.h2oconserve.org/wc_disclaimer.php”>

Were you surprised? But, in reality, the public often is not the biggest consumer of fresh water. It is our hydroelectric power plants and our irrigation practices that consume the most water. In Georgia for instance, according to the USGS (Water Use in Georgia by County 2005; and Water Use Trends 1980-2005) it was determined:

As part of the Georgia Water-Use Program, statewide water-use estimates have been compiled every 5 years since 1980. During this period, water use was greatest in 1980 at 6,725 Mgal/d. Water use decreased by 31 percent to 5,353 Mgal/d in 1990 then increased to 6,487 Mgal/d in 2000. By 2005, water withdrawals had decreased to an estimated 5,471 Mgal/d primarily because of a decline in withdrawals for thermoelectric-power generation and a decline in demands as 2005 was a normal year for precipitation compared to 2000, which was in drought. Throughout the period 1980–2005, water withdrawn for thermoelectric-power generation made up the largest volume of offstream water use in Georgia. Total withdrawals for thermoelectric-power generation decreased about 24 percent in 2005 compared to 2000, due to the decommissioning of three power plants in the State. In addition, several plants operated by Georgia Power Company were retooled during this period to increase water conservation. Public-supply use steadily increased from 1980 to 2000, concurrent with increasing population in the State; however,in 2005, there was a slight decrease in public-supply use.
Conversely, industrial water use decreased during the period 1980–2005. Water withdrawals for irrigation during 1980–2005 followed changing hydrologic conditions, increasing during drier years (1980 and 2000) and decreasing during normal or wetter years. Withdrawals for the categories of domestic and commercial use remained about the same during 1980–2005. Livestock and mining use increased in 2005 compared to the 2000 estimates because of changes in estimation techniques.

One of the biggest consumers of surface water are the ten Georgia Power power plants. However, power companies do return this water back for reuse. During the drought, the following article captured the results of water conservation policy and realities:

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22316995

The other big Georgia water use–irrigation primarily for farming in the southern area (coastal plain) of Georgia. But, on a positive note, drought has caused some retooling and rethinking on how to make irrigation practices more efficient. Did you know that irrigation consumes about 75% of our national freshwater supply? In California, they have run into problems not only with lack of water for irrigation but also how irrigation changes the soil ecology over time. In the 21st century, we have come up with a way of monitoring the soil moisture so that water can be targeted properly for irrigation. Remember the old saying “necessity is the mother of invention”. When we have to we will come up with new ways..

www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2008-08-12-savewater_N.htm

Remember, water conservation can be voluntary, involuntary or both. When we control how we use water in our homes after paying for the service then it is voluntary. When the government or quasi-governmental agencies dictate to us how we use that water then it really is involuntary. For now, in Georgia, water conservation is once again voluntary.

On this first day of summer and Father’s Day, we hope you enjoyed it somewhere near a water body, even if it was only your bathtub. Water conservation will become a way of life again–this may be your short-term reprieve. Droughts will return like floods– they are all part of the natural cycle. The trick is learning how to successfully live during these times. The challenge is for us to rethink our priorities not only ourselves but our children and grandchildren.

Okay, I admit, every morning, for my commute, I grab a bottled water. At work, instead of going to the water fountain or tap, I will reach for my bottled water. When you go out to play sports, you often throw some bottled water in the cooler.

My drinking water is free—well I pay a monthly water bill—around $25 per month for unlimited clean regulated drinking water from the Chattahoochee River/Lake Lanier provided by my local public water system. All I do is turn on my tap. It is the same drinking water I use for my cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

Now, economically for one person, let’s compare bottled water prices over a month. Let’s say an average of $1 per bottle—that is a minimum of $30 in a month. But, I probably go through at least 4 bottles a day. With a family, it all adds up. And, as far as brands, do I really care? For our family, we will most likely grab a case, the one on sale.

Here we are with a perfectly good drinking water supply—tap water delivered by pipes to our homes. Yet we are choosing to drink bottled water because we think it tastes better and is healthier or us. What are other American families doing?

According to FLEXNEWS, Did you know that the United States is the world’s top consumer of bottled water! It consumed 8.823 million gallons in 2007. And US consumption grew 6.9 % from 2006.

Read more at:
www.flex-news-food.com/pages/17354/USA/Water/usa-mayors-agree-phase-bottled-water-municipal-workers-industry-reacts.html

The Bottled Water suppliers have marketed so well that they have caused municipalities to proclaim no more bottled water for their functions or employees. The municipalities are trying to entice taxpayers to support their water systems. Are we as consumers throwing our money down the drain? In the article cited above, these municipal water suppliers say,

They found that bottled water is being sold for as much as 4,000 times the cost of tap water delivery even though up to 40% of bottled water comes from the same source.

How in the world did we as consumers get into the bottled water trap? For me, it started with convenience, then moved on to perceived health benefits, and then finally to taste. However, these bottled water marketers also do a great job convincing me that I should drink their products.
It was not that many years ago that Perrier water was the rage until the benzene scare. Then other bottled water companies got in trouble over false advertising—saying their water source was a spring when it came from an aquifer. As a hydrogeologist with a previous company, we were involved with pump testing and locating the actual water source for the bottled water. In addition, in litigation work, we collected evidence on water chemistry of spring water versus groundwater. In most cases, it can be resolved scientifically through investigation. Bottled water suppliers have overcome many of these arguments or bad press releases. On the other hand, municipalities have been under attack lately about the chemicals in their water—like traces of prescription medication that has shown up in some water supplies.

Here in Atlanta, we have Coca-Cola that market’s its own brand of bottled water. Bottled water is everywhere including vending machines or wherever sodas are sold. When there are tornados, hurricanes, or other natural disasters—you see bottled water shipped in because it is hygienic and easy to dispense. You see bottled water at any sporting event. Drinking bottled water has become part of our lifestyle we continue to pay for even during a recession (see below).
In another related article, regarding the USA Bottled Water Market:

www.flex-news-food.com/pages/23127/USA/Water/us-bottled-water-market-share-volume-increased-2008.html

“In 2008, bottled water sales earned a 28.9% market share of the packaged beverage industry, up from 2007’s volume figure of 28.6%. “During these tough economic times, consumers have trimmed discretionary spending,” said Tom Lauria, Vice President of Communications for IBWA, “but bottled water sales decreased less than all other major categories and subsequently we now enjoy a slightly improved market share as consumers chose bottled water over other packaged beverages.”

So, next time you reach for your bottled water, you may want to start refilling it with tap water. Just another thing to think about…
Cheers!

taken from the leading story in today’s (June 11th) Atlanta Journal Constitution front page Headline. The article goes on to say that Carol Couch, Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division reassures Georgians that “the drought is over.” Over the past three years of drought, the people of Georgia had managed to cut back approximately 15 percent of their water usage. Most of it credited to very strict restrictions (Level 4) on outdoor watering and outdoor water features (like fountains, etc.). These restrictions put many landscaping and nursing companies in severe straits. No one wanted to buy plants to see them die immediately. Landscaping in the Atlanta area is big business. Well, aside from having green lawns and nice flowers, how does this bode for our drinking water supplies and future water use. Governor Sonny Perdue is encouraging everyone to keep conserving and use good judgement. However, the Upper Chattahoochee River Keepers are upset because the flow targets in the Chattahoochee River for fishing and recreation are not met yet even with this very wet spring. They think the State should not ease watering restrictions.

Is the drought really over? Yes, we are officially out of drought according to federal and state agencies. But, the fact remains that the metropolitan Atlanta area will face continual water challenges for water supply to meet water demand for years to come. This may be a brief reprieve. Georgia has yet to hear the outcome of the US District Court ruling on Lake Lanier water use as a water supply to Atlanta. North Georgia has yet to build any water reservoirs to help supplement Lake Lanier. The people of Georgia have adjusted to water bans and learned how to live without abundant water. You see workshops presented locally on using rain barrels, planting drought resistant vegetation, and using soaker hoses, etc. The other part of the equation–industrial use of water. Atlanta has some big industrial consumers of water.

It is wonderful to have rain again and see really green plants and lawns again. It is fun playing in fountains on a hot day down at Centennial Olympic Park; driving to the lake and seeing water and not dried mud flats. Fishing and swimming are recreational activities people in land-locked Atlanta love to do at the local rivers and lakes. All those little things people have forgotten over the past couple of years are coming back into their memories. It is like dieting. Once you lose the weight you don’t really want to go back to your bad habits–but tempt someone with some good desserts and sodas–for some that is all it takes to wipe out their diet plans. So, the State is saying we trust you to stay on your diet even though you can go back for seconds or have your favorite ice cream now because the doctor said it was okay. What do you think? Will we gain weight and have to go on a stricter diet? Will we change doctors and get a new diet plan because we had no self-control? Or, will we keep the weight off and only indulge occasionally?

Summer is just starting…we will see….