Fresh Loaf

What or who are “permit holders”? You’re most likely not one of them unless that soda-bottling outfit running out of your basement is using more than 100,000 gallons of water a day. According to Kevin Chambers, EPD spokesman, “permit holders” are local governments, public utilities, drinking water systems, and heavy industrial water-users.

This just in from Gov. Sonny Perdue’s press office:

Governor Sonny Perdue today directed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to modify current surface water and groundwater withdrawal and drinking water permits to achieve a 10 percent reduction in withdrawals for permit holders in the 61 North Georgia counties covered under the Level 4 drought designation. Permit holders will be required to reduce water withdrawals by 10 percent compared to the permit holder’s water usage of the last winter season (beginning of December 2006 through end of March 2007). The new restrictions are effective when the EPD director notifies all permit holders in writing. The permit modifications apply to all non-farm permit holders.

“In this unprecedented drought, we all have to pitch in and find ways to conserve our most precious resource,” Governor Sonny Perdue said. “A 10 percent reduction in water use is a first step, and we will continue to evaluate our drought response and encourage additional conservation as needed.”

The revised permit restrictions will be in place beginning November 1 and will continue as necessary. Georgia EPD will enforce permit restrictions and impose fines for noncompliance.

“Many communities already have successful conservation programs in place,” said Governor Perdue. “I encourage all Georgians to make their dry lawns and dirty cars a badge of honor. By making individual conservation efforts, along with reasonable solutions from our federal government, we can collectively help to ensure that our water supply is sufficient.”

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Tags: drought, Gov. Sonny Perdue.