Georgia’s WaterGeorgia’s Water 9.5 million people 9.5 million people
depend on a clean depend on a clean water supply.water supply.
The population is The population is increasing by more increasing by more than 2.2 % a year than 2.2 % a year making GA the 5making GA the 5thth fastest growing fastest growing state in the nation.state in the nation. http://drought.unl.edu/gallery/2007/Georgia/LakeHartwell2.htm
© 2006 National Drought Mitigation Center
Georgia’s Growth & Water Use
- GA Water Use increased 20% between 1990 – 2000 (EPD, 2007)- 16% increase in population projected for 2000 – 2010 (Bachel, 2003)
Water RestrictionsWater Restrictions
• Georgia one of the fastest growing Georgia one of the fastest growing statesstates
• Demand for water is increasingDemand for water is increasing• Water is not unlimitedWater is not unlimited• Lack of water can harmLack of water can harm
-wildlife-wildlife-landscapes-landscapes-business-business
Design BMPs for Water Conservation
• Develop a design • Preserve established vegetation• Consider light conditions in plant selection• Select plants that tolerate site temperatures• Select plants adapted to area rainfall • Group plants according to water needs• Reduce root competition – spacing • Reduce or utilize surface drainage• Small, concentrated, high impact seasonal color• Efficient irrigation
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/pubs/bmp_watercon.pdf
Installation BMPs for Water Conservation
• Plant in fall and winter• Prepare planting bed – infiltration, water holding• Appropriate soil amendments• Soil testing – proper lime and fertilizer• Mulch
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/pubs/bmp_watercon.pdf
Timing of InstallationTiming of Installation
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UGA Farm
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Maintenance BMPs for Water Conservation
• Proper liming and fertilization• Relieve compaction, improve infiltration• Pest control – weeds, insects, fungus, vertebrates• Mowing height• Proper pruning – selective vs. sheering• Mulching or topdressing