Education » Wise Water Use

Wise Water Use

The first thing customers, stakeholders, outsiders and others should know about the Macon Water Authority (MWA) is that this model, award-winning water utility in Middle Georgia (USA) has a plentiful reservoir supply, water production and storage capacity, and distribution network, which currently serves more than 50,000 metered customer accounts.

However, that's not to say that MWA customers should not practice Wise Water Use.  Within this content area, you will find further information on a number of topics (available via the sub-navigation/links to the right). 

First, we provide an overview of the Outdoor Water Use Schedule in Georgia, followed by a Consumer's Guide (a brochure to download) for outdoor water use.  In addition to providing outdoor and indoor wise water use tips below, we also provide Landscaping Tips, especially for those enthusiasts in gardening and horticulture. 

The MWA is involved in several programs that reflect its commitment to advocating wise water use, environmental stewardship, and public outreach.  As an example, we were one of six public water utilities who piloted the waterSmart initiative in Georgia, beginning in 2007.  And those MWA commercial customers who advocate wise water use by going the extra mile in stewardship and conservation are profiled as our Water Stars.

Let's not forget that inherent in the practice of wise water use are the preventative efforts to find and fix leaks, and we provide a "how to" guide for doing so, along with additional links to resources that can help.

Finally, for a reference of the legislation that directly affects water consumers in Georgia, we provide an overview of the Georgia Water Stewardship Act, as enacted in 2010 by the Georgia General Assembly. 

On the grass roots level, the MWA continually educates customers on wise water use practices at the home and business, both indoors and outdoors.  Here are some wise water use tips, with a link provided for more details available through the EPA WaterSense promotional program.

Indoor Wise Water Use Tips

First and foremost, MWA customers are encouraged to find and fix household leaks.

In the bathroom, turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth, and remember that showers use considerably less water than baths, as long as you keep them within a reasonable length.  And please DON'T use the toilet as a waste basket, and only place biodegradable tissue paper (NO dental floss, feminine hygene products, paper towels, cotton balls, etc.) down the toilet.

In the kitchen, plug up the sinks for washing and rinsing dishes, rather than let the water run continuously.  Only use the dishwasher to wash a full load, and remember to scrape dishes clean before placing them in the dishwasher, to prevent grease from entering your drain.  Keep a pitcher of drinking water cool in the refrigerator for refreshment.  After all, the MWA has the best tasting drinking water in North America, as judged in 2009 by the American Water Works Association.

In the laundry room, wash only full loads of laundry (just like full loads in the dishwasher), or at least make sure the water level matches the size load you are washing.

Outdoor Wise Water Use Tips

Create a water-smart landscape (research "xeroscape" for more information), and know when to water and how much water that landscape needs.  Check your irrigation system to make sure it's working properly and efficiently, and consider WaterSense labeled sprinkler controls and other fixtures for the outdoors.

Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and walkways, rather than using the hose to clean them off.  Wash the car with a bucket and a on-off nozzle on your hose, rather than letting water run continuously.

If you have a pool, cover it when not in use so to prevent extensive evaporation.

For more information on wise water use tips, check out the EPA's WaterSense promotional program information at http://www.epa.gov/watersense/our_water/start_saving.html#tabs-1.