Water is one of our most precious natural resources. Therefore, Gwinnett offers a variety of ways for our customers to be part of the water conservation solution in and around their homes. For example, we encourage customers to perform do-it-yourself residential water audits to evaluate water conservation efficiency. As part of the North Georgia Metropolitan Water Planning District, the following tools are made available to perform residential audits and assessments:
Do-It-Yourself Household Water Assessment
Waterwise Household Workshop Presentation
U Fix It Workshop Presentation
Gwinnett also has other water efficiency efforts we encourage among our residential customers such as the Toilet Rebate Program, Retrofit Kits, Leak Detection Kits and Workshops.
Toilet Rebate ProgramThanks to a measure approved by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners, Gwinnett water customers can get a rebate for replacing the toilet/toilets in their single family residential home.
Beginning January 1, 2012, only WaterSense certified toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less will qualify for a rebate. The program currently offers $50.00 rebates on toilets using 1.6 gpf or less and $100.00 rebates on eligible WaterSense certified toilets. The option for a $50.00 rebate for toilets using 1.6 gpf or less will end on December 31, 2011 and completed applications requesting this rebate must be postmarked by then.
Only single family residential homes built before 1993 are eligible for the rebate for a maximum of two toilets per household. Also, only toilets purchased after September 28, 2007, are eligible for the rebate. The rebate is a lump sum amount as stipulated above and excludes the Georgia sales tax, additional installation parts, or labor costs.
Details of the program and applications can be found on the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District website, www.northgeorgiawater.com. Customers may also request an application by calling 404.463.8645 or e-mail at toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org.
Retrofit kits for older homes
For homes built before the 1993 low-flow plumbing standards, the Department offers free retrofit kits. This is to help those homeowners who live in older communities and want to be a part of Gwinnett’s conservation efforts. Inside the kit are two 1.0 gallon per minute bathroom faucet aerators, a 1.5 gallon per minute swivel kitchen faucet aerator, a low-flow showerhead, two toilet leak detection dye tablets, and a toilet tank bank. Homeowners can pick up a free kit at DWR’s Central Facility located at 684 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Kits are available at the customer service counter from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
Residential leak detection kits
To help homeowners eliminate costly, but seldom seen, water leaks within their toilets, the Department also provides free leak detection kits. The kits contain dye tablets with directions, instructions on how to fix minor leaks, and a drip guide to see how much water is lost through various sized holes. These kits are available at the customer service counter at DWR’s Central Facility. You may also have one mailed to you by contacting Heather Moody at 678.376.6722 or dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com .
Water conservation workshops
The Department of Water Resources works with the Atlanta Regional Commission's "Clean Water Campaign / Water Use It Wisely" and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) to promote water conversation across the metro-Atlanta region. As part of this partnership, Gwinnett Water Resources, the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, and the Clean Water Campaign provide workshops on various topics throughout the year that are open to everyone. Workshops covering water conservation include:
- Rain Barrels - Design and build rain collection barrels for downspouts and learn how to use the barrels to irrigate landscapes
- Xeriscaping - Discover alternative landscaping practices to help reduce the amount of water used outdoors at your home
- U-Fix-It - Learn how to identify leaks around your home and repair them
- Water Wise Household Workshop - Increase home water efficiency by learning to use a do-it-yourself household water assessment
For more information on Rain Barrel workshops, contact the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center at 770.904.3500. For additional information on Xeriscaping, Water Smart, U-Fix-It, and Water Wise workshops, please contact Heather Moody at 678.376.6722.
