The Grass Is Greener Because They Can Water It

Chattanooga, Tennessee has no water restrictions, and this fact has many in the Southern U.S. projecting it to be a new focal point for economic development -- especially from businesses and industries forced to leave drought-stricken Atlanta

1 minute read

November 16, 2007, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


There are no outdoor watering restrictions in Chattanooga. A large fountain near downtown shoots water high into the air. Restaurants serve water without being asked. People can wash their cars when they want. Things are humming at the Tennessee Aquarium.

Contrast that with Atlanta, where virtually all outdoor water use is banned. Officials have warned that the water supply could be exhausted in 80 days. Diners have to request water in restaurants, and some residents stockpile water. The Georgia Aquarium emptied some of its exhibits to conserve water, and the iconic fountain at Centennial Olympic Park has been dry for weeks.

Some here say it all adds up to an edge for Chattanooga over Atlanta in the highly competitive arena of economic development.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of passengers on transit bus at night.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort

Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.

44 seconds ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Man sitting on bench sillhouetted against golden hour trees in tranquil park.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies

Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

2 hours ago - New Jersey Monitor