Happy Drinking Water Week!

It seems like there is always a week or day set aside to honor something nationally.  You know what I mean.  There is National Asparagus Month, Nanny Week, National Smile Month, Random Huggers Day.  This is just a sampling of the national awareness days in May.   Well, not to be left out, drinking water also has a special time for recognition.  This year it is celebrated May 5 - 11.  You might be saying to yourself, "Really?  Drinking water needs a special week of awareness?"
 
Well, yes.  Here in Athens many of us take our drinking water for granted. It seems odd to celebrate something that is here all the time: day and night, 24 hours a day, holidays, rainy days, whatever. The tap keeps flowing.  That kind of reliability is hard to find anywhere else. Only tap water delivers:  It protects your public health, provides fire protection, supports the economy, and enhances our overall quality of life.

Get answers to the
most Frequently
Asked Questions about
drinking water from
the Environmental
Protection Agency!

Imagine....

You get out of the bed in the morning, turn on your faucet to brush your teeth, and no water comes out... 
You flush your toilet, and nothing happens... 
Your home is on fire and when the fire department arrives, no water comes out of the fire hydrant... 
You are a business owner but have no restroom facilities or water to clean your store... 
You have no consistent or clean source of water to cook with or drink... 
Think of all the ways every single day that you utilize water--from bathing, to cleaning, to doing laundry, to drinking and cooking--everything we do and all the conveniences in life we take advantage of revolve around a clean and abundant water supply. Without it, society simply wouldn't be able to exist in the way it does.

Another important point:  Water is by far the least expensive of all utilities we take advantage of - electricity, gas, cable, phone, etc., but the only one that we absolutely cannot live without.  

O.K., so you now agree water is AWESOME and you want to celebrate it.  How does one go about honoring water?  Well, here are a few opportunities for you to put a spotlight on water this week.

1.  Read the blog in Water Conservation Station to realize why water deserves recognition.  (Check.)
2. Come to our Drinking Water Week Celebration and the Deadwood Guitar All-Star Jam at Locos Grill & Pub on Timothy Road, Wednesday, May 8 from 6:30 - 9:00.  Local musicians, such as Rick Fowler, Kip Jones, and Fester Hagood, will play various guitars handcrafted by Jason Booth, of Deadwood Guitars.  During the music, the Water Conservation Office offers give aways - WaterSense high-efficiency showerheads, aerators, and spray nozzles for hoses - you can put to use in your home to protect water.  We will also have the Saltine Cracker Challenge for those brave enough to try.  Take the challenge and discover how much you want some cold, clean water.
3. Take a tour of the J.G. Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant on Thursday, May 9 at 4:00.  Discover how we pump, filter, and treat this vital resource before pumping it to 98% of Athens-Clarke County's residents, schools, businesses, and industries. 
4. Thank one of our Drinking Water Treatment Plant workers for providing you with a service your life depends on.  All of these dedicated people make sure the water is clean and pumped to your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Even on Christmas!  Thank you!!

Now I ask everyone to go and get a tall, cool glass of delicious tap water and make a toast to this clean, vital liquid that was delivered to you in the comfort of your home.  Happy National Drinking Water Week. 


 

Water Bottle Safety... Fact or Fiction?

In this day and age of increased water awareness, more people are drinking bottled water. In 2008, Americans drank 9 billion gallons of bottled water, which comes out to be approximately 30 gallons per person that year. Bottled water is convenient and seems innocent enough, but is bottled water safer than tap water? Not necessarily.

 

Tap water is tested multiple times a day to ensure that the water is safe to drink. In Athens, the water that reaches your tap is tested every hour of every day! Bottled water however, isn't tested as often. A study conducted by the Natural Resource Defense Council tested over 1,000 bottles of water. “About 22 percent of the brands we tested contained, in at least one sample, chemical contaminants at levels above strict state health limits.”  They also found that some of the bottled water was just tap water, 25% or more in fact. The tap water in some cases was treated further, other cases it wasn't.
 

If you haven't noticed, bottled water is expensive!  Why buy bottled water when there is water coming from your tap? Bottled water can cost anywhere between$1 and $5.  Let's say you buy a $2.00 20 ounce bottle of water, did you know that would equal $12.80 for a gallon of water! That's more than three times the price of a gallon of gas! Now look at the table below and see how much a gallon of water costs in Athens-Clarke County.

Tier 1: Winter Average (WA)	0.00342 cents/gallon
Tier 2: 10% over WA	0.00428 cents/gallon
Tier 3: 10-25% over WA	0.00513 cents/gallon
Tier 4: >25% over WA	0.00855 cents/gallon

So would you rather pay 0.00855-0.00342 cents a gallon for water or $12.80?

Now to tackle the bottle itself. It actually takes at least twice as much water to make the bottle than to actually fill it. It takes 3 liters of water to make 1 liter of bottled water.  A lot of water can be saved by simply using a reusable water bottle. Also, plastic bottles are one of the main pollution sources and often end up in our oceans. 

Not enough bottles are being recycled; one statistics says 75% of bottles are thrown away. And in a time of oil dependency, there are 17 million barrels of oil that are used to produce water bottles every year.

So bottled water is pricey, not necessarily safer than tap, and the bottle can be a harmful pollutant to our environment. This is a huge industry that isn't going to change overnight but here are a few things you can do!

• Buy a reusable water bottle. They hold large amounts of water and are easy to just grab and go.

• If you must buy a bottle of water, some places don’t allow reusable water bottles, recycle the bottle. That will be one-less bottle that could end up in the ocean.

• Tell your friends! You are the change, consumers control demand.
• Go to www.tappedthemovie.com/ for more even information! I just watched this for the first time and it really got me inspired.

Next time you see a bottle of water at a store, take a step back and reconsider buying it. It could just be tap water or even worse, it could have harmful chemicals in it. Drink smarter!

            ~Lauren 

           WCO intern

Water isn't Essential?

Think fast!  Name three things you can't live without.  Got it? 

Is a flat screen TV essential?

Now let's see how you compare to the rest of America.  In 2010, US News and World Report listed ten items Americans claimed to be essential in their lives.  Items included high-speed internet access, TV, coffee, and smart phones. Though the article did refer to food, shelter, and clothing as “obvious staples," water was nowhere mentioned. Not even once.  Water isn't essential in our lives? 

 

Tom Barlow, with Daily Finance, saw this list and he added his own selections in his blog.  He went so far as to at least include plumbing as a candidate for his Top 10.  Tom is a wise man. 

 

What about you?  Did water spring to your mind?  

Don't feel bad if it didn't make your big three.  Sure, we all know we need water to survive, thus making it essential.  But I think most people consider this as such an obvious answer, it doesn't need mentioning.   And water is always there for us, right?  We can stop at any Golden Pantry and find a cool drink or a toilet.  We don't write it down on our wish list next to the iPad.  I think most people take our water delivery and wastewater removal systems for granted. 

I could now move on to discuss how fortunate Americans are to have access to clean drinking water and good sanitation, how our list of essentials is actually a list of luxuries we enjoy, how 780 million people in the world lack access to clean water... But the point of this blog isn't to make you feel guilty. It is only to make you appreciate water and good sanitation. 

Here are three things you can try for the next month to become more aware of water in your life:

1) I know this is touchy-feely, but be mindful when you are using water. Tune out the flat screen TV, the high-speed internet, the ringing cell phone, and turn on your water. Listen to it as it runs from the faucet. Feel the water as it touches you. Enjoy washing the dishes, turning something dirty back to clean again. Appreciate and be grateful for the water you have available for use. 
       

2) As you select items for purchase at the store, take a moment to think about water's role in the manufacturing of products. What do I mean? Let's take the beloved cup of coffee. Sure, we need at least 8 oz of water to brew our go juice. But water is also required to grow, package, and ship the beans. What looks like 8oz of coffee really required an estimated 37 gallons of water for one cup. This virtual water is also in your blue jeans, your bread, and your brew. Be aware of your water footprint.

3) Go on strike with Matt Damon. He is not going to the bathroom until everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. Yes, this may be a little extreme for most of us to do, but it certainly does makes you aware of your toilet. If you can't commit as fully as Mr. Damon, how about not using the toilet seat for one month? Yes, I mean squat rather than sit. I guarantee, like Time Barlow, you will add plumbing and sanitation to your list of essentials.

A wonderful quote from Danielle Raine observes, “the cruel irony of housework: people only notice when you don’t do it.” Clean water delivered at the turn of a faucet or flush of a toilet is similar. You only notice water if it isn't there. Let's not wait until it isn't there to notice it. Become aware, appreciate, and take action to care for water now. It is essential.

Laurie Loftin
Conserve: WATER U waiting 4? 

Where does your water go?

In a recent Facebook post, we asked all of you what you wanted to learn from the blogs.  We had a popular response from Stephanie Sharp who wanted to know:

"Interesting figures like average gallons used per shower, bath, dishwasher, washing machine...help me extrapolate!"

Extrapolate, we shall!  First, let's look at where the "average" family consumes most of their water:

 

Toilet- 26.7%

Clothes Washer- 21.7%

Shower: 16.8%

Faucet: 15.7%

Leaks: 13.7%

Other: 5.3%

Since a majority of water goes to flushing the toilet, washing clothes, and taking showers, let's explore those.

Water Sense 

Toilets

-Toilets installed before 1993 use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water every flush, toilets installed between 1993 and 2012 use about 1.6 gallons per flush.  A new WaterSense labeled toilet uses no more than 1.28 gallons per flush.,

-Leaky Toilet?  Leaks can account for 13.7% of your water usage. You can waste 300-500 GALLONS of water every day from a leaky toilet.

How can you fix this?

1. Preventative Measures: Buy a WaterSense Toilet- They can save 75-80% more water than older toilets! Find more information at EPA's website.

2. Routine Checks: Check for leaks frequently!  Sometimes, you may have a leak even if you can't hear the toilet running.  The Water Conservation Office loves giving out blue Toilet Tabs, which can be placed in the tank of the toilet.  If you see blue in the bowl, you have a leak.  You can also do this by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank.  Lowe's has a great video on how to do it!

Energy Star Appliance

Washing Machine

Did you know?  Washing machines can use 40-55 gallons of water per load!  

How can you reduce this?

1. Preventative Measures: When shopping for a new washing machine, look for those products that are energy efficient.   High efficiency Energy Star washing machines use less than 27 gallons per load.  They save water and electricity!

2. Routine Checks: Run your washer only when you have a full load.  If you must wash a smaller load, be sure to match the settings (small, medium, large, x-large) correctly in order to save water.




Shower
The shower can use about 7 gallons per minute. 

How can you reduce this?

1. Preventative Measures: The Water Conservation Office loves giving away water-efficient shower heads at special events, but you can also find them in hardware stores. They can save up to about 5 gallons per minute!

2. Routine Checks:  We recommend taking a five-minute shower, or less!  Look at these numbers:



With a 5 gallon per minute showerhead:
5 min shower= 35 gallons
10 min shower= 70 gallons
30 min shower=210 gallons
1 hr= 420 gallons

Multiply this by the number of people in your household, and you will realize how important it is to keep showers short and install a more efficient showerhead!


Well, that just about sums it up!  Those are the top three water consumptive activities inside your house, but here are a few more quick facts:

• Baths: 28-36 gallons for full tub
• Running Faucet: 3 gallons per minute (You can save here too by installing a WaterSense aerator available at the Water Conservation Office or at thea hardware store. Make sure to turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth!)
• Dishwasher: 15 gallons per load (you can save here by using an Energy Star Dishwasher)
• Lawn Watering: 3-10 gallons per minute (fyi, more plants die from overwatering during drought than from not watering enough.)

If you suspect you have a leaky faucet/bath, you can figure out how many gallons you are wasting by counting the number of drips per minute:

• 60 drops/minute=192 gallons per month
• 90 drops/minute=310 gallons per month
• 120 drops/minute= 429 gallons per month

We hope that this post has been relevant and helpful to you!  Leave questions or comments below!

Here are links to useful websites:

Guide to Water Use
EPA's Indoor Water Use
Water Sense Product Search

Transportation and Public Works

Stop 2. Transportation and Public Works

Our journey continues in search of buildings, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate water conservation methods in Athens-Clarke County.  The next stop is the Transportation and Public Works building at the corner of West Dougherty Street and Lumpkin Street.  The water conservation method highlighted here is a rain chain.  The  side of the building (facing Lumpkin Street) has a rain chain attached to a rain barrel. 

 

What are rain chains? Rain chains are alternatives to downspouts.  They visibly guide rain water from the roof down chains to the ground, a drain, or storage container like a rain barrel (remember the ones at Sandy Creek Nature Center, our Stop #1?).  The collected rain water can be used to water flowers and gardens.  The Transportation and Public Works rain chain supplies water for a rain garden. Some organizations suggest rain chains should replace downspouts, claiming they fulfill the same purposes of downspouts, but also break the flow of water as it hits the ground, mitigating its impact. 

History of rain chains.  The Japanese have used rain chains for hundreds of years.  Today the chains are used to direct the rain water from their roof to storage units for later use in household chores.  The Japanese are also known for incorporating large decorative rain chains into their temple design.  

The style. The styles of rain chains vary from traditional chains to cups to decorative flowers.  Link, cup, and flower chain styles are far more attractive than traditional downspouts and often add to the decor of a building rather than detract from it.  Many people make their own rain chain from recycled materials such as clay pottery, pebbles, and even pine cones.  Look at this website for inspiration and installation tips. 

For more information on rain chains visit here.

Check in next month as we visit another place in ACC!

Drought: Will it result in the "Stormwater Apocolypse"?

With the Walking Dead returning in less than a week, I can’t help but think about the zombie apocalypse. Okay, I am not really worried about zombies, but there is another kind of apocalypse that can affect our streams and rivers and it is much more realistic: The "Stormwater Apocalypse". The good news is that it is preventable. The "Stormwater Apocalypse" refers to what can happen to our water as a result of drought and the rains that follow.

There is more to drought than water supply shortages. There are important environmental impacts that most of us don’t think about very much. These indirect impacts can be very damaging. Our natural systems become more vulnerable to things like wildfires, habitat loss, invasive species, plant diseases and pests during a drought. All of these things can lead to the Stormwater Apocalypse! (Think from a frog or fish's point of view.)

Over the last several years local ecosystems have become weakened as a result of our drought. When it finally does rain, these systems do not protect our waterways as well as they used to. Think about it, weakened trees and plants are more susceptible to disease and pests. When root systems die more pollution enters our streams when it rains. This is because runoff can more efficiently dislodge and transport sediment (aka dirt) because there are fewer plant roots holding the soil in place. This additional sediment covers rocks and sand that aquatic life depends on. Sediment can contains things like fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and other pollutants, and dirty water can be a problem for critters that rely on clear water to survive. All these problems can lead to a "Stormwater Apocalypse" in our fragile streams and rivers. (These systems provide Athens with our drinking water.  So, even if you are not a fish or frog, you need to care about these things.)

That brings me to the good news! By eliminating litter and dumping, using smart landscaping, rain gardens, detention ponds, rain catchment systems, porous pavers, and other water-smart strategies we can protect our waterways from the stormwater apocalypse. In fact, there are great examples all around Athens. Here is a gallery of local projects that protect water, look great, and are fantastic examples of things we all should do. (These photos are from Fowler Drive Elementary School.) Tell us about your projects! Individuals and businesses are doing cool things all around Athens-Clarke County to protect our water. What can you do today?

Stumped? Check out the Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Division for ideas!

And, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to “Conserve: WATER u waiting 4?”

-Marilyn Hall

ACC Water Conservation Coordinator

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Are you ready for a road trip???  

If so, join the Water Conservation Office as we travel around Athens-Clarke County in search of buildings, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate cool water conservation methods!  Every month we will visit a new place and learn about how they conserve water.  We will share with you what we have learned and give tips on how to conserve water in your own home or business!  So buckle up and let the journey begin...

Stop 1. Sandy Creek Nature Center

Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC) is known for being home to over 4 miles of trails that go through the woodlands and wetlands of Georgia’s Piedmont.  Live reptiles, amphibians, marine and freshwater fishes also call SCNC home.  SCNC has recently expanded and includes various interactive exhibits on everything from composting to water conservation (our favorite part).  Now you might know all of that, but there is one thing that you might not know about Sandy Creek Nature Center...

Sandy Creek Nature Center is the proud home of two 500 gallon rain barrels!  A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from a downspout.  This collected rainwater can be used on lawns, gardens, and even for washing cars and windows.

The first rain barrel is located in the front of the nature center as you walk in. 

The sign in front of the rain barrel informs readers that this is a rain water capture system that collects rain water runoff from the exhibit hall roof.  SCNC conserves water by using the collected rainwater to water plants instead of using tap water.  This system also reduces erosion and flooding by slowing down runoff from the roof and slowly releasing it to the ground.  

The second rain barrel is located behind the nature center near the trail heads.  This rain barrel collects rainwater from the roof and condensate from the air conditioning system. SCNC uses this water for gardens around their property.

Some of the benefits of using rain barrels include:

~Providing an alternative to using tap water for outdoor watering,

~Reducing stormwater runoff that can cause floods,
~Slowing stormwater runoff so that it can replenish groundwater and soil moisture,

~Saving money on your water bill, and                             

~Rainwater is often softer than tap water, which is better for plants.

Most rain barrels around homes are 55 gallons.  You can find rain barrels at local garden centers or you can build your own.  Here is some more information on rain barrels from the Environmental Protection Agency and you can see how local artists have turned rain barrels into works of art at www.rolloutthebarrels.org.

Finally, visit Sandy Creek Nature Center and check out their awesome rain barrels and gardens! 

Check in next month as we continue our journey around Athens-Clarke County!

Water and Electricity

Water and Electricity

Did you know that when you turn on a light it uses water?  I never thought that conserving energy also conserves water, but it does! Water actually plays a huge role in electricity production.  

There are two main types of power plants in the United States: thermoelectric and hydroelectric.  Thermoelectric power plants heat water to produce steam for generating electricity.  Hydroelectric power plants use flowing water to turn turbines that generate electricity.   There are two components to water use in power plants. Water withdrawal removes water from a local water source; the withdrawn water may or may not get returned to its source. Water consumption is the use of water that is not returned to its source, usually due to evaporation loss.

Some cool things that use water for energy production include:

•      Drill/mine natural gas, coal, and oil
•      Refine oil, uranium, and natural gas
•      Remove pollutants from exhaust
•      Generate steam that turns turbines
•      Transport
•      Cooling
•      Emissions Control

Did you know?

•       In 2005, thermoelectric power plants withdrew 143,000 million gallons every day to produce electricity!  This amounts to 41% of all the water withdrawn for our use.
•       Between 3,000-6,000 gallons of water are used to power a 60-watt light bulb for 12 hours a day over a year               

Below is a list of fuel sources and the amount of liters of water required

Fuel Source	Efficiency (liters of water per 1000 kilowatt hours)*
Natural Gas	38
Tar sands	190-340
Oil Shale	260-640
Coal	530-2100
Hydrogen	1,850-3,100
Petroleum	15,500-31,200
Fuel ethanol	32,400-375,900
Biodiesel	190,900-969,000

*Information from the Virginia Resources Research Center

For more information go here or to find out the typical process of turning coal into electricity go here!

~Jackie Sherry
Water Conservation Graduate Assistant

It Starts and Ends With the River

It starts and ends with the river.  This refers to the lovely film created by Russell Oliver that was shown during the Downtown Development Plan Town Hall Meeting on November 27.  It started with beautiful footage of the North Oconee River then proceeded through a virtual tour of the downtown planning area.  It concluded with more footage of the North Oconee River, framing the downtown discussion.  It was brilliant!

Athens is creating a Downtown Master Plan that will define and direct the type of development for the area.  All of the ideas presented at the Town Hall Meeting include more greenspace.  I agree that downtown would benefit from more trees and open spaces for people to gather, but how will that affect our water resources?  As the frequency and duration of drought increases, and most climate scientists say it will, we need to protect our limited water supply.  Fortunately, additional greenspace does not have to dramatically increase the stress on our water supply.  If planned properly it can even protect our water.

Cisterns can be incorporated into the infrastructure of downtown to collect rainwater and condensate from HVAC systems.   The water collected in the cisterns could be used for irrigation, reducing the amount of potable water needed to maintain the additional greenspace.  Hotel Indigo, Athens-Clarke County, UGA, and others in Athens already use captured rainwater or condensate to irrigate landscapes.  All new developments in downtown should do the same.  Other communities even incorporate underground cisterns into their street infrastructure.

New Jersey's Canal Park includes a linear rain garden, low impact design tree pits, and approximately 80,000 gallons of underground cistern capacity.  Almost all of the stormwater generated by the park will be used to satisfy 95% of the park's needs for irrigation, fountains, toilet flushing, and an ice rink.

Other communities have extensive plans for green infrastructure.  Philadelphia protects and enhances its water resources by using innovative green stormwater infrastructure.  Nashville's Green Infrastructure Master Plan includes the use of underground cisterns for irrigation.

Some large developments, such as the Dallas Omni Hotel, have underground cisterns that capture recycled condensate water that is used to irrigate the landscape instead of using city drinking water.  I am not proposing that a hotel of this scale is appropriate in Athens, but if this place can protect water we can too.

-Marilyn Hall
Athens-Clarke County Water Conservation Coordinator

I’ll Have a Blue Christmas

The recent Black Friday fisticuffs at the Wal-Mart in Moultrie, Georgia, remind us the season of giving is upon us.  (Ah, makes me so proud to be a Georgian!)  Rather than leaving a store black and blue, make it your goal to incorporate some BLUE into your gift giving.  This holiday let’s fight for something more important than cheap electronics:  clean water, protection of our rivers, and a safe drinking supply for all.  
The following unique gift ideas are sure to please that hard to shop for person on your list, as well as safeguard our aquatic resources.

1.     Bee Natural Honeypot, Athens, GA

For a handcrafted item that smells like warm honey, adds a soft glow to any room, and benefits our local waterways, consider getting that special someone a Honeypot. These luminaries have been featured in Southern Living Presents and Southern Distinction magazines.  In a generous demonstration of Creighton Cutts' (the genius behind the Honepot) passion for the rivers, he joined with the Waterkeepers Alliance and is donating 25% of retail orders to the Waterkeeper organization of your choice.  Add which Waterkeeper you would like to contribute to in the comment section when ordering. 
 

      2.       Charity Gift Card

Do you know someone who is passionate about water issues and has everything? Then a TisBest Charity Gift Card is the perfect present. This gift card works like any other, except instead of buying more stuff, the recipient spends it to support a charity of his or her choice. There are over 300 organizations to select from, including several with an aquatic focus, such as American Rivers, Ducks Unlimited, and The Ocean Conservancy.  Design the card with over 50 stock images or personalize it with your own message, image, or company branding. Both you and the recipient get to give the gift of giving.

 

3.     A Cactus

I am serious. People regularly give Poinsettias for the holidays. Why not be creative and give a Christmas Cactus Tree? No other plant has such a reputation for needing very little water for survival. Websites, such as cactuslimon.com, offer an impressive selection of blooming cacti to brighten up any room for years to come. Your gift requires conservation, is unusual, self-sufficient, and an uncommon beauty.

4.    Filtered Water Bottle

Water.org has a special, limited edition CamelBak Groove Water Bottle available in stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.  The bottle keeps great tasting filtered water always at the fingertips of your lucky recipient. Even better, $10 from each bottle purchased goes to support Water.org, whose mission is to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Matt Damon supports this organization, so it has to be alright!   
  

 5.    WaterSense Showerhead

Long gone are the days when a “low-flow” showerhead equated to poor water pressure and soapy hair. To be granted the coveted WaterSense label, manufacturers of showerheads must meet rigorous standards. The result is products providing even coverage, pleasing spray intensity, and exceptional pressure, all while using less water. Who wouldn’t want to replace their old, H2O guzzling fixtures with these new drops of liquid sunshine? Look for the WaterSense label and buy someone you care about a luxurious showerhead. Earn extra brownie points: Include a homemade gift certificate that promises personal installation of the product.
 

I hope these gift ideas inspire you to search for a present that packs a one-two punch.  Choosing from above allows you to knock out a person from your holiday shopping list and give to something you depend on every day.  Water.  And you won’t end up in a bad youtube video for getting into this fight.  So, putting a new spin on Elvis Presley and Porky Pig’s renditions of Blue Christmas, I wish everyone a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas.

Happy Holidays,
Laurie