First published study of 2009 Atlanta floods may hold clues to recent urban flooding in other U.S. cities-warnings, too

September is normally a hot, dry month around Atlanta, Ga. The first hints of autumn usually don’t arrive until the end of the month, if then. So it was a surprise last fall when record rainfall turned much of the metro area and north Georgia into a lake, plunging such attractions as Six Flags Over Georgia underwater and in places exceeding flood levels expected only once every 500 years.
Now, in what is likely the first scholarly published study of the floods, a team of climatologists, meteorologists, geologists and hydrologists, led by the University of Georgia, has shown that a convergence of record-setting events, perhaps unprecedented in the area’s history, combined to cause tens of millions of dollars in damages and at least 10 deaths.

And while the future of such floods is unclear, as are possible ties to global warming, conditions may be ripe for a reoccurrence, said Marshall Shepherd, lead author of the study just published in the online edition of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.

“More frequent or intense flooding events, coupled with expanding impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots, will affect the ecosystem and the very fabric of societal infrastructure,” said Shepherd. “We are thus going to need revolutionary designs, management and policies if we are going to mitigate the impact of future events.”

Other authors of the paper are Thomas Mote, John Dowd and Mike Roden, who with Shepherd are in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; Pamela Knox of the Office of the State Climatologist; Steven McCutcheon of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Steven Nelson of the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Ga.

Recent studies have noted that regions of the southeastern U.S. face an increasing vulnerability to climatic extremes because of population growth and the addition of impervious surfaces. The floods this year in Oklahoma City (June) and Nashville (May) point out how serious the issue has become, and even in a sparsely populated area of Arkansas, authorities reported at least 19 dead in a flash flood in June.

But even the knowledge of an increased threat couldn’t have prepared metro Atlanta leaders for what befell them last September.

“Just as an example, the U.S. Geological Survey measured the largest flow ever recorded on Sweetwater Creek near Austell, which has a streamflow record dating back to August 1904,” said Shepherd. “And a climatological assessment by the National Weather Service showed that September 2009 was fifth wettest in Atlanta’s history.”

While newscasters and commentators have turned the phrase “perfect storm” into one of the most-used clichés of the age, no two words describe better what led to the Atlanta flooding, the new research shows.

First, of course, was the massive and unrelenting rainfall, caused by an odd combination of events. Prior to the record rainfall in north Georgia, a low-pressure system stalled over parts of a three-state area called “ArkLaTex,” pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Many days of rainfall nearly saturated the soil and filled many streams, rivers and reservoirs over the Southeast. Remnants of two tropical storms in the Pacific and Atlantic (and evaporation from the Gulf of Mexico) generated some of the wettest air observed over the Southeast. Inherent instability in the atmosphere and the mountains northwest and north of Atlanta produced “training” or repeated heavy rainfall.

The spark that set the floods metaphorically afire, though, may have been all the concrete and paving of the metro area itself. The water, unable to soak into the ground, overfilled sewers and drainage and flooded roads, schools, neighborhoods, Interstate-20 and Six Flags Over Georgia, all designed to rarely be submerged.

Satellite data, multi-sensor Doppler radar estimates, traditional National Weather Service gauges and a relatively new community volunteer network, defined the multifaceted causes of flooding during the event.

“Though the meteorological set-up was unique, the role of Atlanta’s impervious surfaces and rapid continued growth should not be missed,” said Shepherd “This increase in roofs, roads and parking is known to alter runoff intensity and, in the future, make flooding potentially just as bad and in many cases worse.”

Another possibility is that large cities may initiate or alter storms through so-called heat-island, convergence and pollution effects. How (or if) this played a part in the Atlanta floods will be the subject of future research by Shepherd, who plans to recreate the event using computer simulations, though without Atlanta included.

“The September 2009 flooding that definitively ended the drought in Georgia is consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections that the frequency and severity of extreme hydroclimate events such as droughts and floods will likely increase,” the authors say in their study—bad news for areas such as Atlanta, Nashville and Oklahoma City, which have had enough already.

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Test well water to insure it's safe to drink, use

Clean drinking water is a top priority for families. But homeowners who rely solely on well water can be open to certain risks.

If your water is provided by a city or county source, it isn’t necessary to have it tested unless an in-house contamination is suspected. Public and municipal water supplies are routinely tested and must meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Homeowner's responsibility

Well water can become contaminated from various sources and can make homeowners sick. Since there are no federal or state monitoring regulations for private wells, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure their well water is safe to drink.

Well water may not be safe to drink if:

You have frequent and unexplained illnesses in your household.
Your neighbors find toxic chemicals in their well water.
You are concerned about the lead pipes or soldering in your home.
You detect a difference in the taste, smell or color of the water.
You are buying a new home with a well that has been out of use.
It comes from an improperly sealed or unprotected well, spring or cistern.
You spill fertilizers, pesticides, oil, gasoline or other toxic substances on the ground in or near the well.

Water isn't just for drinking

Poor water quality not only affects drinking water. It can also affect a variety of household functions. Contaminated water used for cooking may affect your health, while an excess of certain minerals can hamper cleaning tasks in laundry or bathroom.

Unfortunately, no single test can provide information on all possible contaminants.

Bacteriological tests determine if water is free of disease-causing bacteria. But there are many types of tests that cover a variety of bacteria. The most common bacteriological test checks for E. coli and total coliform bacteria, which can come from fecal contamination.

Mineral tests can determine if the mineral content is high enough to affect either health or the water’s aesthetic or cleaning capacities. This test often pinpoints calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc. An abundance of these minerals can cause hard water, plumbing and laundry stains or bad odors.

Pesticide and chemical tests are generally performed only if there is reason to believe a specific contaminant has entered the water system, such as pesticides.

Inspect regularly

It is important to regularly inspect your well for sources of contamination.

Other potential problems can exist with the slab, the well screen, the building covering the well or landscaping. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers well assessment through the HOME*A*SYST program. These self-assessments determine the risks associated with your well.

If you suspect a problem with your well water, contact a licensed well driller to inspect the well and have it tested for bacteria. This test should be done at least once a year, especially after well water disinfections.

Have water tested

Well testing can be done through local UGA Extension offices. Water samples are tested through the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory in Athens.

A basic test, which tests for pH, hardness and more than 15 minerals, is $15. An expanded water test, which tests for minerals, soluble salts and alkalinity, is $50.

Contact your UGA Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for information on troubleshooting water quality issues or testing your well water for bacteria.

Contact your county health department for information on how to take proper care of your septic system. Septic system problems can affect well water quality.

By Paul Pugliese
University of Georgia

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Georgia's summer likely warmer, drier than normal

Georgia’s summer will likely be warmer and drier than normal through at least early August. Temperatures and rainfall in late summer and early fall will depend on the number and tracks of tropical weather systems.

The early summer following an El Niño winter climate pattern – like we had this past winter -- is typically warmer and drier than normal. With the warmer temperatures and drier-than-normal conditions, soil moisture will quickly decrease over the next two months. However, because of the abundant rain this past winter and early spring, water resources are expected to remain in good shape across the state through this summer.

Tropical question

By August the southeastern U.S. will be entering into the heart of the tropical storm season. Will temperatures remain high and rainfall low? At this point, it’s hard to say. Again, this will depend on tropical weather systems. At this time, we do not have the ability to forecast the tracks of tropical storms this early in the season. We can only give general forecasts of the number of storms.

The number of tropical storms this summer is expected to be above normal. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures are currently above normal. This favors the formation of tropical systems, including tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes.

An additional factor favoring the development of tropical systems is the atmosphere transitioning from an El Niño climate pattern to a neutral climate pattern. Neutral and La Niña climate patterns favor the formation of tropical weather systems. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is not expected to have any impact on the number nor on the intensity of tropical weather systems.

Transition time

An El Niño climate pattern typically transitions into a neutral pattern for several months. However, it appears that the ocean-atmosphere system will only spend a few months in the neutral pattern before changing into a La Niña pattern.

Historically, the East Coast, including Georgia, is more likely to be directly impacted by hurricanes when the atmosphere is in the La Niña climate pattern. There is a good chance that atmosphere will be near transition to or in a La Niña by the heart of hurricane season.

As Georgia enters the winter, it appears that we will be in a La Niña climate pattern. Typically this means that south Georgia can expect winter to be warmer and drier than normal. Across north Georgia, a La Niña climate pattern generally brings a warmer-than-normal winter. For north Georgia, a weak La Niña climate pattern is associated with near-normal to wetter-than-normal winters. However, a moderate to strong La Niña climate pattern is associated with drier-than-normal conditions across north Georgia.

It is too early to know if this winter will bring a weak, moderate or strong La Niña climate pattern. If the La Niña climate pattern develops this winter, then Georgia may be set up for a drought in 2011.
Up-to-date weather information is available at the website www.georgiaweather.net. Historic climate data is available at the website climate.engr.uga.edu.

By David E. Stooksbury
University of Georgia

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Prepare for Rising Water

Precautions taken at the first sign of rising water can help save lives and help minimize damage during a flood. Typically, your standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover flood damage, though federal flood insurance is available through most insurance agencies, if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. If you have flood insurance, your agent will advise you how to file a claim.

Whether you have flood insurance or not, Allstate recommends you take the following steps as soon as a flood watch is issued, or news of rising water hits, which may prevent thousands of dollars in unnecessary damage.

-- Keep informed by listening to a battery-operated radio. That way, you
can track the storm or follow the progress of rising water and make a
better decision about any further action that you should take,
including the possibility of evacuating your home.

-- Fill bathtubs, sinks and containers with clean water so you will have
a ready supply in case the community's water supply becomes
contaminated.

-- Move outdoor possessions indoors, such as patio furniture, chairs and
bicycles.

-- Elevate valuable furnishings and possessions from basements or first
floors to upper floors or move them away to higher ground if you have
time.

-- If advised by local authorities, shut off all utilities including gas,
electricity and water.

-- Prepare to evacuate by gathering your emergency supplies. Don't forget
flashlights and extra batteries, essential medicines, cash, credit
cards, food, water and a battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
If you have pets, make sure they have an adequate supply of food and
water, in a safe place, on an upper floor, or prepare to take the pets
and such provisions with you. Do not leave pets chained or fenced
outside.

-- Once rising waters reach your home, school or business, your first
priority is occupant safety. If you're advised to leave, do so
immediately and follow the evacuation instructions given. Travel to
higher ground by whatever means is available and stay there. The
sooner you leave the better your chances of avoiding flooded,
congested roads.

-- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn around and go
another way. If your car stalls, leave it immediately and walk to
higher ground. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else
during floods.

-- If avoidable, do not attempt to walk through floodwater. Drowning is
the top cause of death during floods, in many cases because people
underestimate the power of even a small amount of water. A mere six
inches of quickly flowing water can knock you down. In areas covered
by standing water, use a long pole or stick to make sure the ground is
firm. Be especially cautious with children.


Information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/.

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Water Efficiency Incorporated in Federal Legislation?

With water as a valuable resource, doesn't it make sense to for us to try and use it wisely?

Senator Ron Wyden (OR) has proposed an amendment to Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. This Watersense Amendment would add product water efficiency retrofits on a short term basis.

Take some time and learn more about the amendment at the Alliance for Water Efficiency.  Let your senators know your views on conserving water.

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Georgia's April weather warmer than normal

The combination of a cool March with a warm early April compressed Georgia’s pollen season, leading to higher-than-normal pollen counts across the state in April.

For the most part, temperatures across the state were warmer than normal.

Mostly warmer temps

In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 65.2 degrees F (3.6 degrees above normal), in Athens 63.9 degrees (33 degrees above normal), Columbus 65.6 degrees (1.4 degrees above normal), Macon 65 degrees (2.3 degrees above normal), Savannah 67 degrees (1.7 degrees above normal), Brunswick 66.8 degrees (.3 degree above normal), Alma 65.9 degrees (.8 degree below normal), Valdosta 68.6 degrees (3.4 degrees above normal) and Augusta 64.3 degrees (1.9 degrees above normal).

Athens set a record high temperature April 5, when the maximum temperature of 88 degrees broke the old record of 87 degrees set in 1988. Augusta set a record high of 91 degrees on April 6, breaking the old record of 90 degrees set in 1967.

Mostly below-normal rainfall

Most of the state received below-normal rainfall, except for a swath of rain in south-central Georgia and a wider band across the northern counties.

The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 2.63 inches in Valdosta (.94 inch below normal). The lowest was in Brunswick at .89 inch (1.91 inches below normal). Atlanta received 2.56 inches (1.06 inches below normal), Macon 1.36 inches (1.78 inches below normal), Athens 1.86 inches (1.49 inches below normal), Augusta 1.20 inches (1.74 inches below normal), Columbus 1.61 inches (2.23 inches below normal), Savannah 1.40 inches (1.92 inches below normal) and Alma 2.74 inches (.42 inch below normal).

Record daily rainfalls were set at Columbus with a daily rainfall of 1.04 inches April 25 and Alma with a daily rainfall of 1.36 inches April 20.

Rabun Gap records most rainfall

The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 5.13 inches in Rabun Gap in far northeast Georgia April 25. This station also had the highest monthly total of 6.70 inches. Stations near McKaysville and Dillard received 6.58 inches and 6.21 inches, respectively, during the month.

Two tornadoes were reported. A small tornado hit 2 miles north of Bostwick in Morgan County April 8, knocking down trees and the roof of a chicken house. Another small tornado hit 3 miles north of Cloudland in Chattooga County near the Alabama border April 24, causing tree damage. Severe weather, including high winds, hail of over 1 inch or tornadoes, was observed on five days in April.
The drier conditions improved soil moisture levels through the month, although in some areas the dry conditions impeded planting and germination. Some irrigation of new corn was needed to counteract the dry conditions. Generally, the warm temperatures were favorable for planting, and crops were planted at a rapid pace across the state.



Pam Knox
University of Georgia

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Gwinnett Water Plant Holds Open House

The public is invited to tour one of Gwinnett County’s two water plants on Saturday, May 1, to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Shoal Creek Filter Plant, located at 1755 Buford Dam Road in Buford, will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be facility tours, a hayride, arts and crafts, complimentary lunch and refreshments. There is no admission fee and kids are welcome to come learn about safe drinking water.

Gwinnett’s Shoal Creek Filter Plant won the Plant of the Year award for 2010 from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals at its Spring Conference in Columbus recently. This is the second time the plant has won the award.

The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed by Congress in 1974 and amended in 1986 and 1996. It requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and public groundwater wells in the United States. The law authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set national health-based standards to protect against both natural and manmade contaminants in drinking water.

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We’re very proud of our Water Resources staff for winning this award again and for providing our residents with high quality drinking water every day of the year. This operation never stops, and we appreciate all the hard work that goes into it. Safe drinking water is vital for our health and well-being. We take this public health responsibility seriously every day.”
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Candidates for Georgia Governor to Debate Water Issues at UWG

The University of West Georgia will hold a forum on Friday, April 23, to discuss the state’s water issues, highlighted by a debate among the candidates for Georgia governor from both major parties.

The forum, “Legal and Operational Challenges to Water Conservation,” will feature discussions by water experts from across the region and nation, and will include a luncheon provided by the conference.

The event will conclude with the gubernatorial candidates sharing their ideas for conservation and management of Georgia’s water resources – a key issue to be faced by the next governor.

Candidates who have confirmed their participation include Republicans Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal, Ray McBerry, John Oxendine and Austin Scott and Democrats Carl Camon, DuBose Porter and David Poythress.

The candidates’ forum will be moderated by Fox 5 Atlanta TV news anchor Deidra Dukes and will begin at 7 p.m. in the UWG Coliseum.

All events are open to the public.

For more information, visit www.westga.edu/water.
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Senate votes in favor of Pearson’s Bill to increase Georgia’s Water Supply

The Georgia State Senate today voted to pass Sen. Chip Pearson’s (R-Dawsonville) legislation to facilitate the expansion of existing reservoirs in Georgia. Senate Bill 380 is a key component of Pearson’s efforts this year to ensure Georgia has access to an adequate water supply.

“Georgia will remain the economic engine of the South only if we ensure there is enough water to support our state’s future population growth. The passage of this bill is an important step to proactively secure water for our state,” said Pearson. “This measure simply allows the state environmental authority to loan money to local governments to expand existing reservoirs when funding is available.”

The legislation establishes a clear process in Georgia law for the Water Supply Division (WSD) of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority to loan funds to local governments to expand existing reservoirs. Under SB 380, the WSD has the power to make loans and grants to a local government to pay all or any part of the cost of expanding and increasing the capacity of existing reservoirs. The bill also outlines what criteria must be used when considering requests for funding assistance, including the effect of recurring droughts on the region, the interconnectivity of the reservoir with surrounding local governments, how to facilitate public-private partnerships and any unique regional conditions.

The bill stipulates that the WSD can make the loans or grants when funding is available. Beginning this year, all funding requests must be submitted by July 1, and any awards will be issued no later than October 1 of that year.

Last week, the Senate also passed Pearson’s bill to allow for the development of public-private partnerships to build and expand reservoirs. Pearson has noted that in such difficult economic times, it’s imperative to incentivize the private sector to help expand Georgia’s water supply. Under Senate Bill 321, the WSD and local governments can enter into a water use agreement with the owner of any private reservoir.

Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
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Governor Announces GEFA Approval of Water and Sewer Projects Totaling $46 Million for Seven Georgia Communities

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) has approved of funding for seven environmental infrastructure projects totaling $46 million. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer system improvements for Augusta-Richmond County, the cities of Blairsville, Crawfordville, Lookout Mountain, Meigs and Port Wentworth, and the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority.

“Investment in our state’s water and sewer infrastructure stimulates the economy, promotes the stewardship of our natural resources, and helps to meet Georgia’s future water needs,” said Governor Perdue. “The projects approved today will improve water system efficiency and will ensure clean and safe water.”

“The water and sewer programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Financing water and sewer projects encourages economic growth and the stewardship of our environment.”

Foil expressed appreciation to Governor Perdue and to the members of the General Assembly for their support. He credited Governor Perdue’s commitment to helping Georgia cities and counties finance infrastructure development as one of the main contributors to GEFA’s success.

“GEFA financing for water and sewer infrastructure helps communities in all areas of the state,” said Gerald Thompson, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and mayor of the city of Fitzgerald. “The projects that we agreed to finance today demonstrate that GEFA is investing in communities that are willing to invest in themselves.”

GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development through the provision of low interest loans. The Georgia Fund is a state funded program administered by GEFA for water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects. The Georgia Fund provides loans to local governments for projects such as water and sewer lines, treatment plants, pumping stations, wells, water storage tanks and water meters. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure and water pollution abatement projects. Eligible projects include a wide variety of storm water and wastewater collection and treatment projects. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for water infrastructure projects. Eligible projects include public health-related water supply construction.

Below are details of the loans approved today:

Augusta-Richmond County

Augusta-Richmond County was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $23,530,950 for the Butler Creek Interceptor East project. The project will extend sanitary sewer pipe from the J. B. Messerly Water Pollution Control Plant to the trunk main along Butler Creek. Augusta-Richmond County will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $23,530,950 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Blairsville

The city of Blairsville was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $195,500 to extend its water system along Old Blue Ridge Highway. The total project cost is $572,500 with the balance being provided by a $300,000 OneGeorgia grant and $77,000 in local funds. The city will pay 3.81 percent interest on the five-year loan.

City of Crawfordville

The city of Crawfordville was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $115,000 to finance repairs to the city’s water tank. The total project cost is $115,000 with the DWSRF providing the entire amount. The city will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.

City of Lookout Mountain

The city of Lookout Mountain was approved for a $100,000 sewer grant to help replace the failing Flintstone Subdivision sewage collection system with a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system. The total project cost is $550,000, with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs providing $200,000 through an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant and $50,000 through an Immediate Threat and Danger program grant. Dade County Water and Sewer Fund is providing $50,000 and Covenant College is providing $150,000.

City of Meigs

The city of Meigs was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $437,881 to improve its wastewater treatment facility and the sanitary sewer collection. This project includes the restoration of sand filters and outlet control structure gates and inspection of the collection system for inflow and infiltration. The total project cost is $437,881 with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund providing the entire amount. The city will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.

City of Port Wentworth

The city of Port Wentworth was approved for a grant of $100,000 for the installation of a reuse water line. EMD Chemicals will use 150,000 gallons per day of the city’s highly treated recycled wastewater in place of water from the Floridan aquifer, a practice that will help prevent the advance of saltwater intrusion into wells along the Georgia coast. The total project cost is $360,000 with GEFA providing $100,000, EMD Chemicals providing $250,000 and Port Wentworth providing $10,000.

Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority

The Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority (WSA) was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $21,342,866 for Phase II funding for the expansion of the Walnut Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The loan will also fund additional construction to the WRF such as an additional storage pond and a land application wastewater treatment system. The total project cost is $43,844,498 with the CWSRF providing $21,342,866 in Phase II, $20,000,000 in Phase I (approved April 21, 2008) and $2,501,632 in potential future funding. Henry County WSA will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.

Cities and counties interested in more information regarding GEFA loans should visit www.gefa.org or call (404) 584-1000.

About the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (www.gefa.org)

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure.
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California American Water Call for Continuing Water Conservation in its San Diego County Service District

Utility urges customers to turn off outdoor irrigation as California drought continues despite local rainfall and improved snowpack levels

California American Water is continuing the call for water conservation by urging all of its San Diego County customers to turn off outdoor irrigation systems as rain storms are predicted to return to the region this weekend. The oncoming storms will cut the need for outdoor watering. Given the forecast, California American Water is asking customers to leave their sprinklers and other irrigation systems turned off for at least seven days after the rains end.

“The storms that passed over Southern California two weeks ago dumped more than six inches of rain in some areas. With forecasters calling for more rain there is no need to turn on our sprinklers for a week or more,” said Todd Brown, California American Water’s general manager. “We are encouraging our customers to conserve water by refraining from turning irrigation systems back on too early. The ongoing drought and other challenges to our water supply remind us to use water wisely. Keeping our sprinkler systems off is smart for the environment and the pocketbook.”

Even with the California Department of Water Resources reporting last week that the snowpack water content is 115 percent of normal statewide, significant long-term challenges still remain to improving reliability of Southern California’s water supplies from the Bay-Delta. The level of precipitation over the second half of the winter will have a major impact on determining final supply deliveries for the remainder of 2010.

“We welcome the news that the snowpack’s water content thus far is above average. However, regulatory restrictions are expected to continue to reduce water deliveries to Southern California for the foreseeable future,” Brown said. “The restrictions, coupled with the prolonged drought, have caused both our state and local reservoir levels to drop well below normal and limit the ability of water agencies to refill them.” Pumping restrictions to protect endangered fish species in the Sacramento Delta region have cut water deliveries from the State Water Project by as much as 30 percent, limiting the amount of water that can be stored during wet years.

California American Water offers rebates on water-saving appliances, free water wise surveys, leak detection kits for toilets and other conservation tools and ideas. California American Water customers can sign-up for these services by stopping by its local office located at 1019 Cherry Avenue, Imperial Beach, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., or by calling
(619) 435-7515.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. California American Water’s San Diego County service district includes approximately 21,000 households and businesses, or a population of about 95,000 people, in the cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, south Chula Vista, and parts of south San Diego.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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Water Contingency Task Force Presents Final Recommendations

A statewide task force of business leaders, elected officials, community representatives and conservation organizations presented their final recommendations to Governor Sonny Perdue December 22 for creating a contingency plan to address Georgia’s water issues if a federal judge’s ruling from this summer remains in effect in 2012.

“The task force has done a tremendous job of analyzing all possible options and providing fact-based feedback that will drive the decisions we make moving forward,” said Governor Perdue. “I am very appreciative of the commitment shown by the co-chairs, the time invested by task force members and the professional analysis provided pro bono by The Boston Consulting Group and the rest of the technical team. Their dedication will help us as we move forward to find solutions for Georgia.”

More than 80 business, environmental and government officials have been studying a long list of options since October, after Judge Paul Magnuson ruled that metro Atlanta’s use of Lake Lanier for drinking water would be reduced in 2012.

“We believe in a three part strategy - conserve, capture and control,” said John Brock, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises and co-chair of the Water Contingency Task Force. “There’s no single magic solution. We must conserve more water, capture the water we do receive, and control our water supplies through progressive water policies.”

On a separate track, Governor Perdue is pursuing a legal appeal, congressional action and negotiations with Florida and Alabama. But the job of the Water Contingency Task Force was to consider options if the judge’s ruling stands.

The final report reaffirms the gap cannot be closed between the water we have and the water we need by 2012 under the reduced withdrawals called for in the judge’s ruling. As Governor Perdue has said repeatedly, using Lake Lanier for water supply is our most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. The thorough analysis of the different options, likely worth more than $2 million, was provided at no cost by The Boston Consulting Group and a team of expert engineering and consulting firms.

The task force found that if given additional time past the 2012 deadline, more options become available. These additional contingency options can be implemented by 2015 and 2020. Emergency solutions are extremely costly, but having a few more years gives more and better choices should the judge’s ruling stand.

The task force found metro Atlanta alone would take a $26 billion annual hit to its economy if no action is taken to address the judge’s ruling, causing a devastating ripple effect throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

“Our work is not over,” said Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineers and co-chair of the Water Contingency Task Force. “In fact, now an even more critical chapter begins. As the Georgia General Assembly convenes in January, we will continue to work with the Governor and elected officials as our recommendations are considered.”

More information and the full report from the Water Contingency Planning Task Force can be found on Governor Perdue’s website at http://gov.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,78006749_154453222,00.html.

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November rain sets records

Tropical Storm Ida brought more wet days to Georgia in November, setting rainfall records in what is normally a dry month.

Rainfall across most of the state was well above normal, according to radar estimates, particularly due to Ida’s heavy rains on Nov. 10. Many areas north of the fall line from Columbus to Augusta received more than 5 inches of rain. Southern Georgia, particularly the southeastern section, received below-normal rainfall, with the lowest values occurring near Brunswick.

The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 6.75 inches in Columbus (2.78 inches above normal). The lowest was in Brunswick at .71 inch (1.78 inches below normal). Atlanta received 5.75 inches (1.65 inches above normal), Macon 3.87 inches (.67 inch above normal), Athens 5.17 inches (1.46 inches above normal), Augusta 5.61 inches (2.93 inches above normal), Savannah 2.31 inches (.09 inch below normal) and Alma 1.41 inches (1.16 inches below normal).

Many stations within the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network also reported wet conditions for the month. The highest monthly totals of 10.80 inches and 10.46 inches were both reported in Rabun County in far northeast Georgia. On Nov. 11 with the passage of Ida, the highest one-day reports of 6.09 inches and 6.10 inches came from two observers in Monroe County in central Georgia.

The Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring sites at Tiger in Rabun County and at Gainesville in Hall County both reported 7.89 inches for the month.

Daily record maximum rainfalls occurred Nov. 10 with Ida. At official NWS airport stations, Atlanta broke a daily maximum rainfall with an observation of 4.05 inches. Athens received 1.94 inches. Columbus received 5.44 inches, and Macon received 2.53 inches during this storm Nov.12. Alma also reported a daily record rainfall of .92 inches Nov. 22.

Because of the unusually high rainfall in September, October and November, Athens, Atlanta, Macon and Columbus airports set their records for the wettest fall seasons ever recorded. Athens reported 24.13 inches, Atlanta 23.31 inches, Columbus 18.43 inches and Macon 20.94 inches during the three-month period.

Temperatures across the state were near normal. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 53.8 degrees F (.4 degree above normal), in Athens 54.8 degrees (2.1 degrees above normal), Columbus 55.4 degrees (1.3 degrees below normal), Macon 55.6 degrees (.5 degree above normal), Savannah 59.4 degrees (.7 degree above normal), Brunswick 61.7 degrees (.1 degree above normal), Alma 58.3 degrees (2.4 degrees below normal) and Augusta 55.7 degree (1.2 degrees above normal). No temperature records were set in November.

Most of the state had not yet experienced a killing freeze, or temperatures below 28 degrees, by the end of the month.

Georgians did not experience any severe weather in November.

The Department of Natural Resources reported there are more black bears roaming Georgia this year due to both the large acorn crop caused by drought-stressed oak trees in 2008 and the rainy conditions this year, which provided ample vegetation to fatten the bears up. They are predicting a record bear hunting season due to the increase in size and number of bears.

During November, the rains in northern Georgia due to Ida caused problems for farmers trying to harvest hay and other crops. Some grub infestations were reported. In the first and third weeks, dry conditions allowed good progress to be made on harvesting of peanuts, soybeans and cotton. Rain showers benefited the planting of small grains.

By Pam Knox
University of Georgia

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National Water Expert Provides Case for Metro Atlanta to Pursue Water Conservation and Efficiency to Meet Water Supply Needs

Today, the Georgia Water Coalition hosted a media briefing conference call with Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO, Alliance for Water Efficiency.

To listen to a recording of the media briefing, click here: http://www.garivers.org/gawater/DickinsonBriefing.htm

The Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) hosted the media briefing for Ms. Dickinson to present the opportunity that Metro Atlanta has to meet much of its water needs through water conservation and efficiency and at a cost significantly less than other options. She offered examples from other metropolitan areas in the Southeast and across the nation where communities have met their water needs through conservation and efficiency and saved millions – in gallons of water and dollars.

On Monday, November 23, consultants for the Governor’s “Water Contingency Task Force” unveiled a list of water supply options for Metro Atlanta and rationale for their implementation. The Task Force’s list currently has a $2.3 billion price tag and includes many proposals that if pursued would place a strain on Georgia taxpayers, threaten the economic future of communities outside Metro Atlanta, and sacrifice the health of our rivers, lakes and streams. Though water conservation and efficiency measures were included in the Task Force options, the Task Force has the opportunity to recommend much greater savings.

Tomorrow, Dec. 11, the Task Force meets in Atlanta for its third and final time and is expected to unveil its findings. The Governor is expected to use recommendations from the Task Force to formulate legislative measures to introduce in the 2010 General Assembly session which begins Jan. 11.

For more information on the opportunities available for Georgia, you can also view the American Rivers report: “Hidden Reservoir: Why Water Efficiency is the Best Solution for the Southeast.”

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Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Flow to Bottled Water

/PRNewswire/ -- States in the Northeast have spent between $228,874 and $527,107 a year for bottled water, according to a new report Getting States Off the Bottle released today by Corporate Accountability International. The states surveyed include four Northeastern states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Pennsylvania -- all known for their high quality tap water.

The findings come as public water systems face a $24 billion annual shortfall, and during financial times where states can ill afford to be spending public dollars on such a non-essential use of an essential public resource.

"Not only is the spending patently wasteful at a time when states can not afford unnecessary expenses, but it broadcasts the absolute wrong message about our high quality tap water," said Connecticut State Representative Richard Roy, Chair of the House Environmental Committee.

Roy is one of hundreds of public officials nationwide that are now calling for taxpayer dollars to cease flowing to bottled water. In 2008, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing more than 1,200 mayors, passed a resolution encouraging mayors to phase out city spending on bottled water. To date, more than 100 cities have taken action to cut spending on bottled water or support public water systems as well as three states, including Illinois, Virginia and New York.

Governors and mayors are stewards of public water systems, responsible for overseeing budgets that provide the overwhelming majority of public funding for this essential public service. But the need for greater investment in these systems is growing rapidly, while public funding for these systems languishes.

A major cause of the gap in funding has been the marketing and promotion of bottled water. Marketing campaigns, such as Nestle's Born Better, have convinced one in five people to believe the only place to get clean drinking water is from a bottle. And as public confidence in tap water has waned, so too has the political will to invest in public water.

"Swift action by governors to cut bottled water spending can be a strong first step in restoring public water systems and the public's confidence in them," said Kelle Louaillier, executive director of Corporate Accountability International.

After all, up to forty percent of bottled water sold comes from the same source as tap water. Tap water is also more highly regulated than what comes in the bottle.

Public education campaigns like Think Outside the Bottle are, however, restoring confidence in public water systems. A recent Harris Poll found that 29 percent of people switched from bottled to tap water in the last year. An overall decline in the North American bottled water market reflects this shift. Nevertheless, state action is still lagging. While each state profiled in the report has taken some steps to allocate funding towards water infrastructure -- such as dedicating funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to water systems -- even these steps are a drop in the bucket compared to what will be needed to close the gap.

"During these tough economic times our states need to be thinking, 'we should only spend scarce public dollars on projects that grow the economy at large not just the bottom line for a handful of private corporations,'" said Louaillier. "Investment in public water is, in this respect, one of the wisest investments we can make."

According to a U.S. Conference of Mayors report, every dollar invested in public water generates more than six for the economy at large in the long term.

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