John Day  manages the Water/Wastewater Department.  Employees in this department are responsible for ensuring that Jekyll Island drinking water is safe and the wastewater is treated to the highest degree of safety.  Staff works diligently to be sure Jekyll's water and wastewater are in compliance with state and federal regulations for health and safety.  They maintain all water and sewer lines on the island. If you have a water emergency please call John Baird at (912) 635-4021.  After working hours and on weekends, call the Georgia State Patrol at (912) 635-2303.

Water Conservation Tips

• Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks.  Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used.  If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

• Don’t use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.  Defrost food over night in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up.  This will reduce water heating costs and water usage in your home.

• Insulate your water heater and pipes. You will get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

• Never install water to air heat pump or air conditioning system.  New air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.

• Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest.  This reduces losses from evaporation.

• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches.  A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.

• Consider using a commercial car wash that uses recycled water.  If you wash your own car, park on the grass to do so.

• Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Do not waste water just because someone else is footing the bill such as when you are staying at a motel.

• Try to do one thing each day that will result in a savings of water.  Do not worry if the savings is minimal.  Every drop counts.   And every person can make a difference.  So tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers to “Turn it Off” and “Keep it Off.”  Water is the lifeblood of Georgia.  Don’t drain us dry.