Suwannee-Satilla 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 Suwannee-Satilla 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 Suwannee-Satilla Region is projected to grow by 20%, increasing the demands for surface water and groundwater and increasing the quantity of wastewater generated. Total water withdrawals by municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors are forecasted to increase by 16% (43 million gallons per day (MGD)) from 2015 to 2050. Total wastewater flows are projected to increase by 19% (13 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 Suwannee-Satilla Region include:

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