HR1534: HR1534 Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; 25th anniversary; recognize

26 LC 129 1188 House Resolution 1534 By: Representatives Smith of the 70th, Smith of the 138th, Corbett of the 174th, Huddleston of the 72nd, and Buckner of the 137th A RESOLUTION Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Metropolitan North Geor gia Water Planning1 District; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the 15 counties, 97 cities, and 50 water systems in th e Metropolitan North3 Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District) have worked diligently over the past4 25 years to establish metropolitan Atlanta as one of the most water-efficient regions in the5 nation; and6 WHEREAS, water users within the Metro Water District have successfully reduced their per7 capita water consumption by more than 30 percent since 2000; and8 WHEREAS, 25 years ago, tiered water conservation pricing was a rare concept, yet today9 every water system within the Metro Water District has implemen ted tiered rates to10 incentivize efficiency; and11 WHEREAS, from 2008 to 2025, the District's toilet replacement r ebate programs have12 facilitated the installation of over 155,000 high-efficiency fixtures; and13 H. R. 1534 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1188 WHEREAS, these comprehensive conservation efforts have contribu ted to a 28 percent14 decrease in 2050 water demand projections; and15 WHEREAS, more than 300 stakeholders actively participate in the Metro Water District's16 Board meetings, Technical Coordinating Committees, and Basin Ad visory Councils17 annually; and18 WHEREAS, local governments and partner organizations have provided over $18 million19 in local matching funds since 2001 to support $17 million in Se ction 319(h) water quality20 grants, directly improving watershed health for all Georgia citizens; and21 WHEREAS, grease-related sewer overflows have decreased by over 70 percent across the22 region due in part to the Metro Water District's education and asset management initiatives;23 and24 WHEREAS, in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, the Metro Water District has25 reached more than 100,000 K-8 students statewide with curriculum-aligned water education,26 fostering a culture of water stewardship for future generations; and27 WHEREAS, the Metro Water District was nationally recognized by the United States28 Environmental Protection Agency with the 2024 WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award29 for Outreach and Education; and30 WHEREAS, the Metro Water District's implementation of a require d and enforced water31 resources management plan serves as a national model for regional coordination; and32 H. R. 1534 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1188 WHEREAS, the District's measurable success in conservation and efficiency has33 significantly strengthened the State of Georgia's position in s ecuring and defending its34 long-term water rights and resources; and35 WHEREAS, the Metro Water District is uniquely poised to lead the region through future36 growth by addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure and proactively mitigating37 impacts to water quality and environmental resilience; and38 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the accomplishments of the Metro Water39 District be appropriately recognized.40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that41 the members of this body recognize the 25th anniversary of the Metropolitan North Georgia42 Water Planning District and commend its steadfast commitment to water conservation and43 the responsible stewardship of Georgia's water resources.44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized45 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the46 Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.47 H. R. 1534 - 3 -