Atlanta-based UPS, the world's biggest package-delivery company, is testing urinals that drain without water. Coca-Cola turned off the fountain in front of its Atlanta headquarters and canceled planting of new flowers that would require watering, said Kirsten Witt, spokeswoman.
Even the city's aquarium found ways to save a few drops. The Georgia Aquarium bills itself as the world's largest, with 8 million gallons (30 million liters) of water that is home to sharks, sea lions, coral and other aquatic life.
The aquarium, in downtown Atlanta, temporarily cut off a waterfall. For two other water-gushing features, the shutdown is permanent. A lake and a moat are being replaced with sand and art, said Dave Santucci, spokesman.
Wow, that sounds pretty extreme.
The moves may be too late: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that Lake Lanier, the city's reservoir, may run out of clean water in about 110 days. The area has received just 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain this year, half the usual amount.
The worst drought since the 1920's. You know, just before the Great Depression.
We're a great nation. We'll be able to do something to make sure the people of Atlanta do not go without water in 3 1/2 months. There's a plan...right?
``It doesn't seem like people are concerned enough,'' said Mickey Mellen, 31, who tracks the water situation on a blog, www.atlantawatershortage.com. ``What happens when we run out? Nobody has a real answer.''
First New Orleans, now Atlanta? How many more pieces of America do you think we'll lose before, say, January 20, 2009?
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