Residents, Businesses Urged to Conserve Water

The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources is reminding residents and businesses to conserve water during the current drought and sponsoring a free workshop to teach homeowners how to save this precious resource.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts that Lake Lanier’s level will drop below 1,060 feet by mid-October, which is more than 10 feet below full pool, according to an announcement by the water department. Lake Lanier is the county's water supply. “Residents need to be aware that we are in another drought and remember how important it is to save water since we don’t know just how much rain we’ll get this winter,” said Lynn Smarr, acting Water Resources director, in the announcement.

Single-family homeowners can take advantage of the department’s toilet rebate program, which provides up to two $100 rebates per residence for homes built before 1993. Beginning Jan. 1 multi-family residences will also be eligible to receive the credit as long as funds last.

The water conservation workshop is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 3, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Auditorium. Residents can register by sending an email to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com. Attendees will receive a low-flow retrofit kit for showers and faucets, an outdoor water efficiency kit, and a do-it-yourself home water audit guide.

Homeowners also may pick up the kits from the customer service counter at the Department of Water Resources Central Facility located at 684 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.