Altamaha Region Technical Information

In support of the Regional Plan Update, separate technical memoranda were developed on water and wastewater forecasting as well as a resource gap analysis.

Water and Wastewater Forcasting

Water and wastewater demand forecasts form the foundation for water planning in the Altamaha Region and serve as the basis for the selection of water management practices. Forecasts are summarized within Section 4 of the Regional Water Plan, but additional detail can be found in the Water and Wastewater Forecasting Technical Memorandum.

Over the next 35 years, the population in the Altamaha Region is projected to grow by 11%, increasing the demands for surface water and groundwater and increasing the quantity of wastewater generated. Total water withdrawals by municipal, industrial, agricultural, and energy sectors are projected to increase by 13% (33 million gallons per day (MGD)) from 2015 to 2050. Total wastewater flows are projected to increase by 10% (10 MGD) over the same period.

Gap Analysis

The Gap Analysis Technical Memorandum compares the water and wastewater demand forecasts to the available resources. This material is also summarized within Section 5 of the Regional Water Plan. Areas where future demands exceed the estimated capacity of the source have a potential gap that may be addressed through water management practices. Potential water resource issues identified for the Altamaha Region include:

  • Over the planning horizon, forecasted surface water demands within the Altamaha Region are projected to cause potential gaps in surface water availability in the Canoochee River. Increased demand in the region may also add to potential surface water gaps downstream of the region on the Ogeechee River, the Satilla River, and the Alapaha River.
  • At the regional level, no groundwater resource shortfalls are expected to occur in the Altamaha Region over the planning horizon.
  • Assimilative capacity assessments indicate the need for improved wastewater treatment in some facilities within the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Ogeechee, and Suwannee river basins.
  • Addressing non-point sources of pollution and existing water quality impairments should be a part of addressing the region’s future needs.