Over the last 20 years, the population of metropolitan Atlanta has doubled, and the region is now home to more than half the population of the State.  An estimated 2.3 million new people are expected over the next 25 years. Complicating matters, the Chattahoochee River is the smallest river in the nation serving as the major source of water for a region of this size. Because of these factors, water management issues in Georgia have become important over the last five years, driven by the some of the worst drought in Georgia history.  As the state moves out of one of the driest summers in memory – one in which wildfires raged in South Georgia for weeks due to dry conditions – several lawmakers are considering the proposed Statewide Water Management Plan.  This week, I’d like to give you some background on the water plan, as we prepare to move forward on this key issue. 

In 2004, Governor Perdue signed House Bill 237, the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act, authorizing the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to prepare a Statewide Water Management Plan.  EPD presented a draft of their plan on June 28, 2007, to the Water Council, which is made up of lawmakers, state agency heads and citizens.  The Water Council is charged with reviewing, modifying and approving the final draft of the statewide plan. 

If adopted, the Plan, will establish a set of policies to govern water management practices that will be implemented to keep the state’s use of water sustainable and protect water quality.  Water resource assessments will be conducted by EPD and used by water planning regions when developing required water and development conservation plans.  The Water Council will recommend the Plan to the Georgia General Assembly no later than the first day of the 2008 Legislative Session.  Regardless of how things play out, one thing is clear – some version of a Statewide Water Plan will take effect on July 1, 2008. 

New Water Policies

The current draft of the new Water Plan is based upon the integrated water policy, which recognizes that water quality and quantity, as well as surface and groundwater, are interrelated and require integrated planning.  Georgia must manage water resources in a sustainable manner to support the state’s economy, protect public health and natural systems, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.  However, the Plan also explains the state’s water quantity and water quality policies, which will be used by EPD in permitting decisions and in regional water planning efforts. 

I feel that these new policies must also include all the water management tools available to maximize our capacity.  This includes faster reservoir permitting and funding sources for new reservoir construction.  Interbasin transfers should be easy to complete, and the regions must be able to either borrow or purchase water from larger sources outside the region.  For example, in our North Georgia area, we need to be able to borrow or buy water from the Tennessee River.  North Georgia has the second highest amount of average rainfall after the Pacific Northwest, and we need to find more storage for this valuable resource.  Another thing to consider is the possibility of the free market improving water management through private sewer plants and private water services.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Regional Water Planning

The Director of EPD will propose, and following public comment, will publish a final delineation of water planning regions that comprise one or more water quantity and/or water quality resources.  EPD will also designate water planning councils to prepare water development and conservation plans for each region.  State funding to support the implementation of the Plan will be developed as part of the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget proposal. 

As responsible representatives of more than nine million Georgia citizens, we will push for a water plan that ensures a clean, constant water supply to our state for future generations to use and enjoy.  At the same time, we must consider the effect of new water policies on businesses, such as farms, builders and others.  We must strike an even balance that will protect water quality and preserve water supplies, without hurting Georgia businesses and families at the same time.  We will look to do this in 2008.  Meanwhile, it is important that all Georgians know our state’s current water issues, including how dry weather conditions affect us and our ever-increasing demands on our water supply.  Without the implementation of a responsible plan, we will only see more local watering restrictions and state laws attempting to further control our right to use water freely.  If you have any input on our current water issues, I’d like to hear your views on the subject. 

Please feel free to contact Sen. Chip Pearson at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.9221 or by email at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.