Carroll Co. Water Quality

Picture of Carrollton Water Tower — Photo: Carrollton GA

Keep Pollutants Out of Our Waterways

Everything that enters a storm drain flows – untreated – directly into local creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. That means litter, motor oil, pet waste, fertilizers, grass clippings, and other pollutants can end up in the waterways we all enjoy.

The good news is that protecting our water is easy. A few simple habits at home and around your property can make a big difference in keeping Carroll County’s waterways clean for people and wildlife.

Here are 10 Steps to Reduce Water Pollution (from CarrolltonGA.gov)

Don’t dispose of materials in storm drains, on the street or in a drainage ditch.
Compost your lawn clippings and leaves or collect them in bags for pickup.
Wash your car over a grassy area or at a commercial car wash, not on the street or your driveway.
Check you vehicle for fluid leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
Keep your septic system maintained and free of any leaks.
Recycle your motor oil and other vehicle fluids.
Pick up after your pets, bag the waste and dispose of it in the trash.
Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly or opt for less harmful alternatives.
Dispose of litter properly in trash cans and dumpsters.
Share these tips with your household and friends to keep our community water supply clean and safe!

Simple Water Conservation Tips

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1. Fix running toilets and hidden leaks (BIGGEST SAVINGS)

Leaks are often silent but extremely costly.

A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day
That equals about 6,000 gallons per month
For a 4-person household, one running toilet can waste enough water in a month to match or exceed a full month of normal household water use

Even small leaks add up:

A dripping faucet or minor leak can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons per year

Easy check:
Turn off all water inside and outside the home, then check your water meter. If it continues to move, you likely have a leak. For toilets, add food coloring to the tank—if it appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

2. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving

Bathroom faucets typically use 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute when running.

In a 4-person household:

Leaving the tap running during brushing twice a day can waste up to 6–8 gallons per person per day
That equals 9,000–11,700 gallons per year per household

That’s water you’re paying for, simply going down the drain.

3. Be mindful with sinks and everyday use

Small daily habits add up quickly:

Washing hands, rinsing dishes, or letting water run unnecessarily can waste several gallons per minute
A sink left running for just 10 minutes a day can waste 15–20 gallons daily

Turning water off when not actively using it is one of the easiest ways to cut waste with no impact on comfort or routine.

4. Run full loads only

Dishwashers and washing machines use nearly the same amount of water whether they are half full or completely full.

Running full loads can save hundreds to thousands of gallons per year
Using eco or water-saving cycles adds even more savings over time

5. Install low-flow fixtures (simple upgrade, long-term savings)

Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce water use by 20–60% without noticeable loss in performance.

For many households, this is one of the fastest return-on-investment upgrades, paying back through lower water bills over time.

Bonus: Water outdoor spaces wisely

Outdoor watering is often the largest seasonal water use.

Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation loss
Even better, collect rainwater for garden use when possible

Small changes really do add up. For a 4-person household, simple leak repairs and everyday habit changes can save tens of thousands of gallons of water per year, along with meaningful savings on utility bills.

Check for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Leaks can cause damage and create mold issues in your home.
Water leaks can be costly if left unchecked!
Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
Pro tip: use cold water when possible – cold water detergents help with removing stains and odors at low temperatures!
Pro tip2: Use easily recyclable detergents – skip bottled detergents and tablets packed in single-use plastic and use cardboard packed powders instead!
Avoid toxic products, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.
Never flush any of those in your sink or commode.

Check with Keep Carroll Beautiful – we may be able to point you to a recycler who will take your hazardous waste!

Septic Tank Tips

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides lots of helpful information on their website for homeowners or tenants with septic systems. Be Septic Smart!

County Co. Water Directory

Bowdon

City of Bowdon Annual Water Quality Report 2019