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 40 years, the population in the Suwannee-Satilla Region is projected to grow by 4%, 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 23% (74 million gallons per day (MGD)) from 2020 to 2060. Total wastewater flows are projected to increase by 5% (3.4 MGD) over the same period.

Suwannee Satilla 2060 Water Demand

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.