Comments on: Ending the Water Wars.

By: Progressive Dem

Progressive Dem — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:22:20 +0000

The impact of the ruling will hit everywhere, not just in Gwinnett. Septic systems are considered “consumptive uses” because the water is not directly returned to watershed. New septic systems will become difficult to obtain in Forsyth, North Fulton, Fayette and Coweta. High efficiency toilets are already the law for new construction, and DeKalb requires them at the sale of exisiting homes. Most water utilities have already established tiered water rates, but the pricing may get steeper to be more effective in curbing outdoor water use, which is another consumptive use. Pricing is the most effective tool in reducing demand.

By: NorthGAGOP

NorthGAGOP — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:50:34 +0000

The Federal court ruling says that the congress has to modify the bill for Lake Lanier, our delegation lead by Cong. Deal Real, says we are going to wait to do anything.

Based on his lack of leadership while serving the 9th district, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by the lack of leadership on a critical issue to all of the citizens of Georgia.

By: modcon

modcon — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:25:48 +0000

Like Lynn Westmoreland??

By: Harry

Harry — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:23:39 +0000

Sticking cheesy apartments and shopping strips in low-density residential areas may also not be possible anymore. Our Gwinnett planning commissioners and county commissioners may lose some of their best “contributors” among the developer community.

By: AubieTurtle

AubieTurtle — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:28:07 +0000

If the governors can’t come to an agreement, it will be up to Congress to change the law to allow Lake Lanier to be used as the water supply for Gwinnett and near by areas. You can bet that Congress will allow it since you can’t leave a million or so people without water but you can also bet that there will be tons of conservation strings attached like those used in Southern California. Mandatory ultra low flush toilets (aka turbo flush toilets), tiered water rates that will make watering the lawn more than once a week only for the rich, and most scary to the developers in Gwinnett, a total ban on septic tanks. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Gwinnett was forced to install a comprehensive sewer system that will cover all but the most sparsely populated parts of the county. Too bad they won’t be able to turn to the state for help paying for it since the precedent has been set with Atlanta’s sewer system of this being a local problem paid for by local funds.

By: Progressive Dem

Progressive Dem — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:44:22 +0000

Judge Magnuson’s ruling is a gernade to get things moving. There is no possibility that a new water suppy can be found for Gwinnett County in three years. And while the region has made sizeable reductions in demand through conservation, conservation can’t replace as much water as the jeudge’s order has taken away. If the Judge’s order were to stay in place, a giant public health hazzard would result. As we get closer to the deadline, the absurdity of the ruling will come into focus. The order won’t hold.

A political solution from the Governors of Alabama and Georgia is the only way to resolve the differences. This will be the first order of business for the next governor of Georgia. There’s too much bad blood between the current governors to expect a settlement in the short run.

By: Holly

Holly — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:54:37 +0000

If I were the Governor, I’d target not only Georgia Congressional Members, but all Members of the T & I Committee. Particularly ones on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. Particularly ones with Georgians in their offices.

By: aquaman

aquaman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:36:44 +0000

Harold gives a good talk but it’s funny he’s helping solve the problem now when he was unable to do so during his tenure as director. Congress may well not act but what enforcement of the Magnuson ruling does anyone propose? Water to over 3 million people will NOT be cut off. This process is still being driven by special interest (who else cares) and will end up in the Supreme Court.

By: drjay

drjay — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:06:09 +0000

you atlantans better keep your thirsty little paws off the savannah river!!!

it’s all ours…

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-10-22/savannah-river-fourth-most-polluted-nation

By: Bill Greene

Bill Greene — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:27:06 +0000

Wait a minute, letting the government plan everything out didn’t work right in the end? Get outta here.

By: Doug Deal

Doug Deal — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:38 +0000

This is a good article about how a Columbia University study that concluded that the drought was not all that bad, historically speaking, but poor planning coupled with Army Corps of Engineering mismanagement led to a water shortage.

http://www.ajc.com/news/columbia-researchers-drought-what-153044.html

Believing that you can survive on infrastructure designed for a fraction of the population it currently supports is completely irresponsible.

But at least we have boat docks.