Conservation and Efficiency Protecting the integrity of our community

Water Supply

Key Climate Findings in the SE Region Sea level rise poses widespread and continuing threats to both natural and built environments and to the regional economy. Increasing temperatures and the associated increase in frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events will affect public health, natural and built environments, energy, agriculture, and forestry. Decreased water availability, exacerbated by population growth and land-use change, will continue to increase competition for water and affect the region’s economy and unique ecosystems.

Climate Report Water Availability

Real Impacts to Watersheds According to a University of Wisconsin –Madison Study on the impact of land use, it is a key factor in future health of watersheds Watersheds provide vital goods and services to a community Every crop planted and every paved cul-de-sac completely changes how water moves over land According to the study urbanization in the southeast is set to increase exponentially and will have a negative impact on aquatic species If no changes are made to current development practices 34% of the US watersheds will be impacted, a significant portion of those in the Southeast

Water Lifecycle

Why does this matter?

Water Challenges Surface Water Systems – highly vulnerable to climate Water Quality cocerns Increasing water costs Expensive Infrastructure improvements needed Increasing population Legal Challenges

Need a New Paradigm

of Innovation

Conservation Apocalypse We sell water! Have to increase rates! Can’t tell people what to do! It rains here all the time! What is the benefit? Who is going to do this? How do we pay for it? Legionnaires Disease, Sewer Back Ups, plumbing failure, water quality issues

Demand Management

What Does a Water Efficient Future Look Like?

It Makes WaterSense

Engaging in Dialogue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbigqluCmxY

Task Ahead

Operational Efficiency

Cobb County Water System Thank You Questions? Kathy Nguyen Sr. Project Manager Cobb County Water System Kathy.nguyen@cobbcounty.org 770-419-6244