Georgia to Draft Statewide Water Plan

LAGRANGE, Georgia, May 14, 2004 (ENS) - Standing on the banks of West Point Lake Thursday, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law a measure authorizing the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to prepare a statewide comprehensive water plan.

The agency is to prepare the plan by July 1, 2007 so that it may be reviewed by the General Assembly in 2008.

"As Georgia continues to grow and prosper, it is incumbent upon us to develop a comprehensive statewide plan that addresses our long-term water needs and conservation efforts," said Perdue. "Water nourishes our environment and is a major driving force of our state's economy."

"People throughout Georgia must work together on a statewide comprehensive water plan," said EPD Director Carol Couch. "Population growth and periodic drought have put tremendous strain on our water resources, so there is no time to lose."

As Georgia's population continues to grow and the demands on water resources increase, the state requires a comprehensive plan, integrating all of its water management programs, lawmakers have decided.

The Joint Comprehensive Water Plan Study Committee, under the leadership of Representative Bob Hanner and Senator Hugh Gillis, met over an 18 month period and its recommendations formed the basis for the legislation.

The Georgia Water Resources Council, formed by Governor Perdue last October, developed the parameters of a comprehensive water plan prior to the 2004 session of the General Assembly.

The bill provides for a Water Council to guide and direct EPD's efforts. Extensive stakeholder involvement will be necessary for the development of a successful plan.

A wide range of water issues will be addressed, including water allocation to farmers, industry and local government. It also seeks to reduce nonpoint source pollution, or runoff from the land into streams and lakes.

Each geographic area of Georgia has unique water stresses and this plan is expected to provide for complementary regional solutions.