MOULTRIE , GA. Residents and businesses all across the state of Georgia are feeling the pinch of a relentless drought. Moultrie Technical College and its five campuses in Colquitt, Tift, Turner and Worth Counties is doing what it can to reduce non-essential water usage by 10 to 15 percent and boost water conservation efforts, based on an executive order sent to all state agencies from Governor Sonny Perdue in late October.

Moultrie Tech president, Dr. Tina Anderson, addressed the MTC faculty and staff by saying, “It is important for all of us to be aware of the severity of the drought situation.  Please make sure that we conserve water in every manner possible in our programs, with students, and as we provide services to the college.  We must reduce our usage by 10 to 15 percent. This will not be easy, and it will take all of your efforts.”

On the heels of the executive order, Jim Lientz, Georgia’s chief operating officer, reminded state agency heads in an email that the drought “has put a spotlight on the importance of water conservation for both the short term and long term,” and added, “as a state government, we have the capacity to lead by example.”

“To achieve this goal, we ask that state agencies use their judgment to eliminate sources of water-waste, to be diligent in identifying sources of water leaks and to go beyond the watering restrictions currently in place in finding methods to conserve,” Lientz concluded.

Each state agency was charged with developing a plan that quantifies that agency’s conservation efforts. Georgia’s Technical College System, under the leadership of interim commissioner Ron Jackson, was not exempt.

Jackson said, “I am asking you to develop a list of water conservation actions that you plan to implement on your campus to reach this reduction goal…We are in a serious drought, and we have no alternative but to conserve in the most serious of ways.”

Moultrie Tech director of maintenance Steve Peacock developed the plan for the college. Peacock’s plan includes an immediate end to the washing of all state vehicles and pressure washing of buildings and sidewalks; the reduction of landscape watering to twice per week with shorter intervals; the practice of washing towels and sheets for programs such as allied health and cosmetology only when there is a full load; the incorporation of efficient water use in all campus kitchens; the inspection for any water leaks and their immediate repair; and the education of employees and students on water conservation tips for the home and office.

These efforts are in addition to conservation practices already in place at the college, such as automatic controls for hand washing in many restrooms and program areas; the purchase of high efficiency washing machines that reduce water requirements from 28 gallons per wash to 15; reduced landscape watering; and the installation of several sinks that have portable hot water heaters providing heated water faster, thus eliminating the need to let water run.