Gwinnett Renews as a WaterFirst Community

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County leaders say Gwinnett’s water conservation efforts have led to a renewal of the county’s designation as a WaterFirst community.

Gwinnett was the first agency in the state to join the voluntary partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in 2003.

Average daily water use in single-family homes in Gwinnett dropped from 214 gallons per day in 2007 to 176 gallons in 2013, thanks to public education, rebates, incentives and a revised rate structure, the county said in a press release. Gwinnett’s Water Resources department serves 228,927 retail water customers and provides sewer service to 156,130.

“The WaterFirst designation not only recognizes our efforts as a leading environmental steward, it also gives us access to reduced-rate state loans for building and updating our facilities,” said Water Resources Director Ron Seibenhener.

Nearly three dozen cities, counties and water authorities now participate in the WaterFirst program to improve water conservation in Georgia. The new contract, which must be reviewed every five years, will run through 2020. Gwinnett commissioners approved the renewal application on Tuesday.

— From Gwinnett County