With completion of the regional water plans, Georgia is ready to embark on its second decade of strategic water resource planning. This timeline shows major milestones to date in Georgia’s statewide and regional water planning.

2001: Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning Act was passed, creating the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District)

2003: Metro Water District prepared and adopted three regional water plans: Watershed Management Plan, Long-term Wastewater Management Plan, and Water Supply and Water Conservation Management Plan

2004: Georgia’s Comprehensive State-wide Water Planning Act was passed, directing EPD and the Water Council to prepare Georgia’s Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan (State Water Plan)

2008: The State Water Plan was adopted by the General Assembly, establishing a framework for regional water planning

March 2009: Kick-off of regional water planning under the State Water Plan. Water Planning Councils begin meeting at least quarterly Regional Water Planning Rules adopted by Board of Natural Resources

May 2009: The Metro Water District revised their plans

July 2009: EPD issued Regional Water Planning Guidance

January 2010: EPD released initial results from assessments of groundwater availability, surface water availability, and surface water quality

March 2010: EPD released the Water Conservation Implementation Plan

September 2011: Regional Water Plans adopted