Georgia, like many states, faces an increase in water
demand while having only limited water resources.
Georgia also has the pressing problems of explosive
population growth, severe drought, and saltwater
intrusion along its coastline. In addition, several of its
river basins are shared by Florida and Alabama, who
have their own water demands and concerns.
This article explores these issues and the actions the
Georgia Legislature and state departments have taken
to find a balance between developing and preserving
water resources. Some of the steps include developing a
statewide Water Conservation Plan and imposing a
moratorium on issuing new groundwater irrigation
permits in the lower Flint River Basin and new surface
water permits in the entire basin. The state also instituted
the Flint River Drought Protection Act (FRDPA)
of 2000, which provides financial incentives for farmers
to voluntarily suspend irrigation in severe drought
years. Also, Georgia has entered into "compacts" to
negotiate with Alabama and Florida and develop equitable
formulas to share the water in its river basins.
Although several steps have been taken, there have
been difficulties along the way. Because of problems
with the irrigation auctions (a component of the
FRDPA), the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
was sued (the suit was later dismissed), and negotiations
between Georgia and Florida reached an impasse
in October 2003. Yet, despite the obstacles, water is
being conserved in Georgia, and the water conservation
planning process continues. Includes 17 references, table, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 96 - No. 4 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 1.5 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 7 |
| Published : | 04/01/2004 |
