1.0 Executive Summary

Georgia’s quality of life and economic prosperity are vitally linked to the sustainable management of our water resources.

Georgia has long been one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Between 2000 and 2010, Georgia gained 1.5 million new residents, ranking 4th nationally. Georgia is home to over 40 Fortune 1000 companies and over 2,500 internationally headquartered facilities with an estimated capital investment of $24 billion. Our agricultural industry employs over 350,000 people and has an economic impact of almost $70 billion.

Georgia enjoys abundant water resources, with 14 major river systems and seven highly productive groundwater aquifers. These resources are shared by many users, supporting a wide array of natural systems and human activities.

Although water in Georgia is plentiful, it must be carefully managed to meet the needs of a variety of users. Water plans have been developed for Georgia’s eleven water planning regions to help ensure that our water resources continue to support the state’s economy and natural systems. The plans outline near-term and long-term strategies to meet water needs through 2050.

Regional water planning has helped Georgia take meaningful strides forward in water management. Plans were developed from the bottom up, with solutions identified by a cross-section of regional leaders. They are fact-based, building on scientific observations and information from people who live and work in each region. Recognizing that blanket solutions will not meet our water challenges, the plans emphasize local and regional action with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

Photo credit: Georgia Department of Economic Development

Photo caption: Augusta Canal, Savannah Basin