(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 30, 2009) - In the midst of record floods, the County's Department of Water Resources reported on its water conservation measures last week. Gwinnett's popular toilet rebate program has helped replace more than 2,770 pre-1993 model toilets, saving more than 16 million gallons of water since March 2008.

"Reducing water consumption is one way customers can save money in these trying economic times," said Water Resources Acting Director Lynn Smarr. "We got more than our fair share of rain recently but the three-year drought demonstrated how important it is to make water conservation a way of life."

There will be no state sales tax October 1 - 4 on water and energy saving products marked with a WaterSense or Energy Star logo and priced under $1,500. Homeowners are also eligible for a rebate of $100 if they replace a pre-1993 toilet with an approved 1.28 gallons/flush model or $50 for a 1.6 gallons/flush model with a limit of two rebates per household. Rules and application forms are available online at toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org or by calling Water Resources at (678) 376-6800.

Gwinnett's water rates comply with North Georgia Metropolitan Water Planning District conservation requirements to discourage excessive water use. The base rate increases by 50 percent if a residence uses more than 8,000 gallons a month and doubles after 12,000 gallons. Year-round conservation rates will take effect in January 2010.

Gwinnett water customers are also eligible for water conservation kits with dye tablets to detect toilet leaks, a low-flow shower head, aerators for kitchen and bathroom faucets, and a plastic bag to fill with water and place in the commode tank to reduce water use with each flush. Water Resources has distributed 181 of these kits so far this year.

The department has replaced more than 104,000 water meters since 2004 with newer, more accurate meters. County code requires that individual meters be installed on every unit of new multi-family buildings so residents can review their water consumption and make lifestyle adjustments if use is excessive.

Using reclaimed water for non-drinking water purposes, such as irrigation is another water conservation tactic. Water Resources has distributed more than 102 million gallons of reclaimed water to customers including Gwinnett Stadium, home of the Gwinnett Braves, were it is used for irrigation and flushing bathroom fixtures.

More information is available at www.gwinnettH2O.com.