Governor Perdue Commends City of Hinesville Water Plan

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue recognized the city of Hinesville today for its pioneering efforts to become the first city in the 24-county coastal region to require new subdivisions to supply reuse water for landscape irrigation.

Governor Perdue presented Hinesville city officials with a proclamation today at the State Capitol and praised their work to adopt a water reuse ordinance.  The ordinance is one of the key objectives in the Coastal Georgia Water and Wastewater Permitting Plan for Managing Saltwater Intrusion.

“Hinesville city leaders have set a positive example by recognizing the need for water reuse,” said Governor Perdue.  “Water conservation is an important part of Georgia’s water management plans for the coastal region.”

The Hinesville ordinance requires developers to install special water pipes, known as “purple pipes,” in all new subdivisions.  The pipes carry non-potable, treated wastewater for use on landscaping.   The wastewater would otherwise be treated and discharged to a stream, so water reuse can result in significant water savings particularly during a drought.

“Our fragile coastal environment requires stewardship using both land planning and technology,” said State Senator Eric Johnson.  “Hinesville is leading the way.”

“Water conservation is a key tool in sustaining Georgia’s water supply,” said State Senator Tommie Williams.  “The city of Hinesville is a great example of how innovative solutions can help in our conservation efforts.”

The Coastal Georgia Water and Wastewater Permitting Plan was developed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and was announced by Governor Perdue in June 2006.  The Plan is a response to concerns that over-pumping of groundwater in the rapidly growing region was causing saltwater from the ocean to seep into the freshwater aquifer.

Hinesville is the county seat of Liberty County and is home to Fort Stewart and the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.