High and Dry

Walker County has several water sources, eight pumping stations

Walker County Water Usage
April: 126.97 million gallons
September: 132.04 million gallons

Walker County has the good fortune of having several sources for water. Operating within the county are eight pumping stations that supply county residents.

"Currently, our output of water is steady," said County Coordinator David Ashburn. "Our stations located around Chickamauga are pumping in excess of 5 million gallons a day, so we continue to be in good shape."

The number of gallons pumped from the Chickamauga pumping station has seen very little in fluctuation over the summer.

"We pumped 126.97 million gallons in April and in September we pumped 132.04 million gallons," said Randall Haney, supervisor for the pumping station. "So there is a rise in production, but these numbers in my eyes are actually very consistent."

Ashburn said his office explains to residents simple things they can do to conserve.

"Use common sense," he instructed. "Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth. Use gray water collection or recycled water to address needs you might have outside.

"The average person doesn't really care about water consumption until they are out," he added. "The steps we are taking right now will hopefully insure that we as a county will not see our resources completely depleted."

Like many counties, Walker is facing increasing demands upon its water resources.

"We are incurring ever-increasing calls for taps throughout the county," Ashburn said.

From Walker County Messenger