Irrigation meters to be turned off Monday

Fri, 11/30/2007 - 12:50pm
By: John Thompson

Fayette County got even tougher on water violators Thursday night by voting to turn off irrigation meters Dec.2.
The vote was split 3-2 with Commissioners Jack Smith, Eric Maxwell and Robert Horgan supporting it, while Commissioners Peter Pfeifer and Herb Frady voted against it. The vote affects 260 residents in the county who have irrigation meters, said water system director Tony Parrott.
Parrott said system officials have noticed activity on some of the meters and are not sure if the water use is legal. The only exceptions to the outdoor watering ban is for the installation of new landscaping and Parrott said there’s no way to tell if that’s what the water is being used for.
Before the vote numerous landscapers asked the County Commission to look for a less draconian way to cut water use.
“Everything you do has a big impact on our business,” said landscaper Brian Arnold.
But Commission Chairman Jack Smith said the county has little choice in the matter.
“We’re just trying to comply with state regulations,” he said.
Parrott added that many of the irrigation meters are in Peachtree City and Tyrone because residents don’t want the outdoor water usage as part of their sewer bill.
Still, some on the County Commission felt other alternatives should be examined before the meters were cut off.
“I just don’t feel convinced that this is something we need to do right now,” said Commissioner Peter Pfeifer.
Parrott said residents would be able to have their meters turned back on within a day if new landscaping was being installed at their homes.

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Submitted by Judith W Moore on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 6:24am.

The best way to reduce water consumption is to let free enterprise market principles determine the price. First, determine the minimum per person per household use for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Let each household use this minimum amount at current prices. Above that amount, progressively raise the rate until the desired 10% reduction in county-wide usage is achieved. This approach would maximize freedom to consumers to choose where they wish to spend their discretionary income. This also avoids unnecessary government interference with private businesses. No particular enterprise, such as landscape businesses, would be singled out to bare the burden of water conservation.

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Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 6:53am.

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Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Fri, 11/30/2007 - 3:33pm.

If we are this short of water, why are we approving anything?

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