Reservoir calms water worries

Berry's new water treatment plan depends on reservoir

Dirty cars, big piles of laundry, and a reservoir provide hope for Berry College and the community during the worst drought in years.

Berry's role
While the Atlanta area fears the drought will show its effects in January, Berry seems to be holding its own and even ready to help the community. Berry agreed to a water treatment plan that will filter the water used by the college to the immediate and surrounding communities.

“It is pretty complex, and we are a rare case here at Berry. The water we use goes to the water treatment plant, only to be used again by surrounding communities. So in a weird way, us conserving water is hurting others around us,” said Dennis Goshorn, head of Residence Life.

The water plant was a gift given by Henry Ford in 1927.
Photo courtesy of Berry College

This does not mean that Berry is wasting water. According to Goshorn, the athletic fields are no longer irrigated, and dining services has made many changes to conserve. Residence Life has sent campus-wide e-mails with helpful water conservation tips.

Berry's saving grace
Berry’s access to a reservoir on mountain campus has helped the cause by supplying the college with water for many years.

The reservoir allows Berry to be self-sufficient with water use.
Photo courtesy of John Graham

“Yes, though the reservoir is down about 10 feet, in my estimations, we are still working our very best for the conservation of water on this campus and for the overall affect of the drought,” said John Swinney, a student worker at the campus water plant. “We now filter and refill the reflection pools instead of draining them, and we are hoping that with the colder weather, we will use less water.”

{L. R.}