City must cut water production, conservation urged

Washington city water production is being cut by 10 percent in response to a state order, and citizens are again being urged to conserve water and "make their dry lawns and dirty cars a badge of honor."

Last week Gov. Sonny Perdue directed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to order an across-the-board 10 percent reduction in water use by all Georgia utilities including the Washington city water system. The permit modifications apply to all non-farm permit holders.

"In this unprecedented drought, we all have to pitch in and find ways to conserve our most precious resource," Gov. Perdue said. "A 10- percent reduction in water use is a first step, and we will continue to evaluate our drought response and encourage additional conservation as needed."

In Washington, city workers are not flushing firehydrants or lines until later, and firedrills will not use water starting today. Police cars and other city vehicles are not being washed, City Administrator Mike Eskew said.

Each water user is encouraged to conserve water at home, and citizens who see water being wasted are encouraged to call City Hall, he said.

Saying that many communities were successful in conserving water, Perdue said, "I encourage all Georgians to make their dry lawns and dirty cars a badge of honor. By making individual conservation efforts, along with reasonable solutions from our federal government, we can collectively help to ensure that our water supply is sufficient."

The revised permit restrictions went into effect today, November 1, and will continue as long as necessary. Georgia EPD will enforce permit restrictions and impose fines for noncompliance.

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