Water-Recycling Solution in Georgia

“Water Solutions” from the Georgia Trend magazine makes some interesting points, and highlights a water-recycling plan in Georgia that is setting an example internationally, but unfortunately, the article is so unorganized that I feel like its main point is lost in the jumble of ideas and clichéd phrases. (To view the article, follow the link, click on the 'Environment' tab on the left. "Water Solutions" is the second article.)

The graph starts with a dramatic tone, and I personally rolled my eyes at it. Had I not been interested in the topic, I might have not read the rest of the article based on the over-done tone of the very first sentence. It made the water problem in Georgia sound like the end of the world is near. I consider myself environmentally conscious, a border-line ‘tree-hugger,' but I’m also realistic, and sentences that compare our drought to ‘pitiless lava’ flowing over the state make me laugh.

Moving on.

My biggest complaint about the article is that the main point (Clayton County’s water treatment method) isn’t reached until the fourth graph…and then, the method isn’t described until the very end—graph 31. I had to read on and on through a slew of facts before finally reaching a description of the treatment method.

I feel that the writer, Jerry Grillo, used too many quotes, most of which are facts that could have been re-worded and stated as such. Almost every other graph starts with an unnecessary quote, which makes the article hard to follow.
Grillo was also very vague in much of the article. He mentions “cutting edge technology” and “future projects” without any further descriptions or even links to show what those might be. I think a helpful addition would be in-depth descriptions of water treatment and recycling methods in other parts of the country and the world.

Georgia, as a whole, is lagging behind many other states in water conservation and recycling, and by comparing Clayton county’s methods to others out there, I believe more readers may become interested and inspired. The U.S. EPA site has some helpful information and facts on water recyclling, its methods and benefits.

The article goes on to talk about an annual water ‘taste-testing’ award in Georgia. This is somewhat relevant, but I think that even more important would be a pH testing. Uninformed people may be skeptical of water-recycling, and need to be assured that the water is actually safe to drink, not just good-tasting.