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 The people of Southwest Georgia are blessed with abundant crystal clear artesian water. Albany has attracted many large industries based upon the availability of clean water.
The Water Gas & Light's primary source of water supply for the Albany service area is 32 separate but interconnected artesian wells. These wells produce an adequate supply of water flowing from groundwater sources which is of high quality and cost effective to obtain.
These sources utilize the four major aquifers, the Floridian (Ocalla), the Tallahatta (Claibourne), the Clayton and the Providence. Each well has chlorinator and fluoride equipment. The water distribution system consists of 10 water tanks located throughout the service area. Currently the Water Department employs 44 people, who construct and maintain the water delivery system. The department also installs and repairs water meters. WG&L serves approximately 35,000 customers, located both inside and outside the Albany city limits.
Water Restrictions for Conservation
The Board of Natural Resources has adopted Rules for Outdoor Water Use, Chapeter 391-3-30. Under the rules, Georgians are required to follow schedules for outdoor water use during both non-drought periods and during periods of declared drought. The rules are consistent with Section 4(Drought Responses) of the Georgia Drought Management Plan, which the Board adopted in 2003.
The rules apply to any entity, and its customers, permited by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division(EPD) for water withdrawal or for the operation of a public drinking water supply system. There are some exemptions to these rules, including newly installed landscapes, golf courses and commercial uses. The rules are available at the EPD Web site www.gaepd.org under the "Rules & Laws" section. The City of Albany has approved an ordinance establising mandatory water restrictions as per the Georgia Department of Natural resources. Click on water restriction ordinance for a pdf copy of the ordinance.
Current conditions warrant a level two drought declaration for outdoor water use statewide. The declaration requires that Georgians immediately follow a more stringent outdoor water use schedule.
The level two outdoor watering schedule is as follows:
Odd-numbered addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays-12 midnight to 10 a.m.
Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays-12 midnight to 10 a.m.
We would like to thank you for your help and ask for your continued support to protect and conserve our limited water resources. You can visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net for more information.
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