SR 939: Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; recognize

Senate Resolution 939

By: Senators Anavitarte of the 31st, Anderson of the 24th, Bearden of the 30th, Goodman of the 8th, Hickman of the 4th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the 15 counties, 97 cities, and 50 water systems in the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District) have worked diligently over the past 25 years to establish metropolitan Atlanta as one of the most water-efficient regions in the nation; and

WHEREAS, water users within the Metro Water District have successfully reduced their per capita water consumption by more than 30 percent since 2000; and

WHEREAS, 25 years ago, tiered water conservation pricing was a rare concept, yet today every water system within the Metro Water District has implemented tiered rates to incentivize efficiency; and

WHEREAS, from 2008 to 2025, the District's toilet replacement rebate programs have facilitated the installation of over 155,000 high-efficiency fixtures; and

WHEREAS, these comprehensive conservation efforts have contributed to a 28 percent decrease in 2050 water demand projections; and

WHEREAS, more than 300 stakeholders actively participate in the Metro Water District's Board meetings, Technical Coordinating Committees, and Basin Advisory Councils annually; and

WHEREAS, local governments and partner organizations have provided over $18 million in local matching funds since 2001 to support $17 million in Section 319(h) water quality grants, directly improving watershed health for all Georgia citizens; and

WHEREAS, grease-related sewer overflows have decreased by over 70 percent across the region due in part to the Metro Water District's education and asset management initiatives; and

WHEREAS, in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, the Metro Water District has reached more than 100,000 K-8 students statewide with curriculum-aligned water education, fostering a culture of water stewardship for future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Metro Water District was nationally recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency with the 2024 WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award for Outreach and Education; and

WHEREAS, the Metro Water District's implementation of a required and enforced water resources management plan serves as a national model for regional coordination; and

WHEREAS, the District's measurable success in conservation and efficiency has significantly strengthened the State of Georgia's position in securing and defending its long-term water rights and resources; and

WHEREAS, the Metro Water District is uniquely poised to lead the region through future growth by addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure and proactively mitigating impacts to water quality and environmental resilience; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the accomplishments of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE the members of this body recognize the 25th anniversary of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and commend its steadfast commitment to water conservation and the responsible stewardship of Georgia's water resources.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.