MARIETTA - Just as they learned the long drought was over, public officials find themselves recovering from news that Georgia's largest metropolitan area may be without water in a few years. On Wednesday, Gov. Sonny Perdue plans to brief the 2010 gubernatorial candidates on the tri-state water crisis.

The Journal discussed Cobb and the state's water issues with Glenn Page, general manager of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority. The authority supplies water wholesale to counties and cities such as Marietta.

Q: Besides the usual ways of saving water - such as turning off running water as you brush your teeth - what are some ways regular people can conserve water?

A: For example, proper mulching suppresses weed growth, reduces soil erosion and retains soil moisture - which reduces the need for supplemental irrigation. You can also test for a leaking toilet by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, your toilet is leaking, which can waste 200 gallons per day. If you are interested in installing a low-flow toilet, Cobb County Water System has a rebate program just for this as well.

Rain barrels are also a great resource for people looking to conserve water. Place rain barrels under downspouts or use methods of irrigation that minimize water loss to evaporation, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses. People can also test their soil to determine which types of plants are best suited to survive and thrive in their garden's natural environment. By planning your garden with the right plants for the right place, you can reduce the amount of water, time and money required to maintain a healthy landscape. Many other tips can be found on the water authority-sponsored Web site, www.watersmart.net.

Q: How much progress do you think Cobb residents have made, in terms of water conservation, as a result of the prolonged drought?

A: Cobb residents have made progress in terms of water conservation. In July 2007, the average production was 125 million gallons of water per day. The average production in July 2009 was 98 million gallons. You can see that we are talking about 810 million gallons per month that were conserved.

Q: How much would Cobb be hurt if there isn't a favorable deal reached in the three states water battle between Georgia, Alabama and Florida - as a federal judge has threatened to restore 1970 levels of withdrawal for metro Atlanta?

A: The entire metro Atlanta area will be at great risk, with the inability to have sufficient water public health and fire protection. We are continuing to work with Gov. Perdue to decrease our vulnerability and to reverse Judge Paul Magnuson's ruling. Cobb is in a much better position than other metro Atlanta jurisdictions, as we have significant other water supply from Lake Allatoona and Hickory Log Creek Reservoir.

Q: What suggestions do you have for the states to resolve the matter?

A: The states need to have an agreement before we ask Congress to approve reauthorization of Lake Lanier. Congress is not likely to consider legislation until Georgia, Alabama and Florida have reached an agreement. Gov. Perdue's four-pronged approach is the way we need to go. Our strategy must include appealing Judge Magnuson's decision, negotiations between the states involved, seeking Congressional reauthorization of Lanier and contingency planning in the event that Georgia is ultimately unsuccessful in the first three approaches.

Q: And have you spoken with any state leaders or plan to be involved in any way with finding a solution?

A: In the last two weeks I have spoken personally with U.S. Sen. Isakson, and Congressmen Gingrey and Deal, as well as with staff members of the senators and congressmen. We are also involved at the state level as well. Currently, we are working with Gov. Perdue and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. On the matter of appealing Judge Magnuson's decision, we are working with other water supply providers in metro Atlanta, including DeKalb County, Fulton County, the city of Atlanta, Gwinnett County and the city of Gainesville.

Q: What is the status of the new Hickory Log Creek Reservoir in Canton?

A: The construction of the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir is complete with the exception of the relocation of a road, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year. We are still in the process of completing the environmental mitigation requirements, which should be concluded in the next year.

Q: How much will the new reservoir help conditions?

A: The new reservoir is designed to give us an additional 33 million gallons of water per day through Lake Allatoona and will benefit us in two ways. The new reservoir provides us with drought insurance, and is planned to be an integral part of the long-term water supply for our service area.

Q: Where does Cobb receive its drinking water?

A: Cobb County receives roughly 55 percent of our water from the Chattahoochee River and 45 percent from Lake Allatoona.

Q: What is Lake Allatoona's level these days?

A: As of (Saturday), the lake level of Lake Allatoona is 837.6 feet, which is three feet lower than the lake's full pool, but just about average for this time of year.

Q: Are there any current water use restrictions in place?

A: Gov. Perdue lifted the water use restrictions and issued a non-drought schedule on June 10, 2009, lifting the ban on outdoor watering. Under a non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days using odd and even-numbered addresses according to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Q: How much rain has Cobb received year-to-date?

A: Cobb County has received 28.9 inches of rain as of August 14, 2009, meaning the county is in a deficit of 3.25 inches for the year.

Q: Over the past year it seems to have rained rather frequently, how much has that helped the drought situation?

A: Although it seemed to have rained a lot over the past year, we are still in a deficit of 3.25 inches so far in 2009. The spring rains were helpful in improving our stream flows, lake levels and soil moisture content, but this June, July and August have been drier than the same period of any of years since 2006, when the drought began.

Q: Please feel free to add anything else you feel is important.

A: The vitality of the metro Atlanta area is dependent upon the precious water resources we have. Water is a finite resource that is crucial to our health and our community's ability to flourish. By applying conservation principles each day, we will be able to prolong and protect our supply of water for the future.