Savannah-Upper Ogeechee 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 Forecasting

Water and wastewater demand forecasts form the foundation for water planning in the Savannah-Upper Ogeechee 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 Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Region is projected to grow by nearly 25%, 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 35% (109 million gallons per day (MGD)) from 2015 to 2050. Total wastewater flows are projected to increase by 15% (26 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 Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Region include:

  • Over the planning horizon, there are no potential gaps in surface water availability predicted directly within the Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Region. However, increased demands in the region may add to potential surface water gaps downstream of the region on the Ogeechee River.
  • Assimilative capacity assessments indicate the need for improved wastewater treatment in some facilities within the Savannah and Ogeechee river basins. For fast growing counties, additional wastewater treatment capacity may be needed.
  • Addressing non-point sources of pollution and existing water quality impairments should be a part of addressing the region’s future needs. Significant organic load reductions may be required for the Savannah River and Harbor to address both Georgia and South Carolina discharges.