excellence in water resource management and stewardship.
"Hartwell shows us you don't have to be a large city to go above and beyond the requirements of the law when it comes to water resources," said Beatty. "I am so pleased to recognize the leaders and citizens of Hartwell for their shared
commitment to excellence in the management and stewardship of our water resources."
Beatty added Hartwell has been working diligently for more than a year to earn the WaterFirst designation. Providing educational brochures, stenciling storm drains to reinforce their direct connection to area streams, implementing a meter change out
program, and notifying customers of potential water leaks within their homes are just a few of the steps Hartwell took to improve their stewardship and management of our water resources, according to Beatty.
The recommendation for their designation came after a review team met with community representatives earlier this year who praised them for their "excellent public education program," and "outstanding water reuse system."
Hartwell and the Columbus Water Works and Columbus Consolidated Government are being designated this month. They join the Clayton County Water Authority and its
members, Gwinnett County, and the City of Savannah as previous WaterFirst designees.
Gainesville, Hall County, Jackson County, and Flowery Branch are past designees.
The WaterFirst Community Program, led by the Department of Community Affairs, is a voluntary partnership between local governments, state and federal agencies and other organizations working to improve the management and protection of our shared water resources.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/10/150645