Host Phil Boyum welcomed City of Statesboro Water and Wastewater Director Wayne Johnson to the “Morning's unPHILtered” program Monday.
    Johnson announced that Statesboro recently received permission from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to proceed with its water reuse system.
    The system takes highly treated wastewater, which is just shy of potable, then pumps it to Georgia Southern University to be used for irrigation. Initially, GSU will use the water to irrigate the fields surrounding the Recreation Activity Center.
    According to Johnson, it has taken two years to get the approval for the project though the design was ready 18 months ago. Construction bids for the project will be opened March 9.
    Georgia Southern is expected to save a lot of money with the system, so the university has covered most of the upfront costs in exchange for a lower per-thousand-gallon rate.
    The city currently discharges 3.8 million gallons of treated waste water per day, which flows into Little Lotts Creek just below Bird Pond, and then flows into the water table.
    When Statesboro upgraded their waste water treatment plant, plant workers began using ultraviolet disinfection, which kills bacteria and viruses, making the water much safer.
    Johnson then discussed water usage in Statesboro. On average, he said, the city draws 3.1 millions of water a day. Statesboro's permit actually allows a total draw of 5.875 million gallons per day.
    Johnson told Boyum that some cities in southern Georgia are in danger of having their water withdrawal permits being greatly reduced by the state. In fact, he said, Pooler is being threatened with having to shut down water supplies to one of its largest businesses.
    If Statesboro's allotment is reduced by the 25 percent the state is considering, then the city's allotment would be reduced by nearly 1.5 million gallons a day. Johnson said that could reduce the attractiveness of Statesboro as a site for more development.
    Also on Monday's show was dean of GSU's College of Business Administration Dr. Ron Shiffler. Shiffler spoke about the passing of Origen “Ori” James, former dean of the business school. Jones was instrumental in helping the school get accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. He also founded the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honorary Society, which is only eligible to be started at schools accredited by the AACSB.
    James' family has asked that anyone in the area wanting to honor him make donations in his name to the local Habitat for Humanity program in Bulloch County. Shiffler said the college would set up an Ori James Fund to be distributed according to the family's wishes. Anyone interested in donating can call the College of Business Administration at 478-2622.
    
     “Mornings unPHILtered” airs live Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on statesboroherald.com and also simulcast on WWNS-AM 1240 on the radio. You also can listen anytime at BoroLive.com on statesboroherald.com