North Georgia parched, drought creeps south
The population of Georgia in 2006 was 9,363,941 and is currently ranked in the top ten states in the country for the largest population growth according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As the population continues to increase so does the demand for resources that don’t seem to multiply as fast as people. The focus on high gas prices has shifted in North Georgia and refocused on a scarce resource that is a little more essential, water, and Milledgeville is right down stream.
Govenor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency for 85 counties in north Georgia on Oct. 20 as a result of the level four drought conditions. Baldwin County is currently classified as being in a level two drought but could eventually feel the effects from the north.
“It is North Georgia that is dealing with the drought right now,” said Dr. Doug Oetter, associate professor of geography at GCSU. “But because we live downstream from that area it is a big deal for us. As Atlanta continues to grow they are going to take water out of the Oconee River, which is currently our source for water.”
All Georgians, especially business owners, are taking mandatory actions to conserve. On Oct. 24 , Purdue ordered public water utilities in North Georgia to cut their water usage by 10 percent and required to state agencies to cut usage and GCSU is following orders.
“We can cut 10 percent usage at the GCSU campus fairly easily,” said Oetter. “By examining our largest uses, which include irrigation and residence halls. Voluntary conservation efforts and changes in our watering strategies should help us achieve this goal.”
Even though there is no immediate threat of exceptional drought in Baldwin County students are beginning to take notice of conservation efforts around them.
“I serve at a fine-dining restaurant on Lake Oconee where we use to automatically take water to our tables,” said Britney Kirkland, a senior at GCSU. “Last week our manager told us we are no longer going to bring out water for everyone but only for those that request it as a way of conserving. I was somewhat shocked by this because it made the drought a little bit closer to home.”
With water still flowing from faucets and water fountains and soggy waterlogged intramural fields students aren’t losing too much sleep at night about North Georgia’s severe drought problems. But their problems could eventually trickle down the disappearing stream as the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Carol Couch, announced that North Georgia could run out of water completely in as early as three months. Some students are more aware of the problems the drought could cause and have started to take action.
“I have really started to look at my water usage and noticed a lot of ways I could conserve more, like turning the water off when I brush my teeth,” said Jennifer Woods, a junior at GCSU. “I walked by Front Campus the other day and there was this huge water-dunking booth being broken down. They were emptying gallons and gallons of water onto the ground that is wasteful and can be changed. We are all just going to have to work a little harder if we want to maintain our way of life.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Nov 1 2007. Filed under News.
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