Water

Of all Georgia’s natural resources, none is more important to the future of the state than water. The wise use and management of water is critical to support the state’s economy, to protect public health and natural systems, and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Georgia has abundant water resources, with 14 major river systems and multiple groundwater aquifer systems. But, while water in Georgia is abundant, it is not an unlimited resource and must be carefully and sustainably managed to meet long-term water needs. This CNG Regional Water Plan moves the Region toward managing its water resources in a proactive, sustainable manner.

Management Practices were selected to meet the Council’s vision and goals and to address the potential resource gaps and shortages identified and described in the Regional Water Plan. A prioritization and ranking process was used by the Regional Water Planning Council that resulted in the selection of 14 Water Conservation and 8 Water Supply Management Practices.

Water Conservation Management Practices

WC-1. Implement education and public awareness programs.

WC-2. Develop water conservation goals

WC-3. Stewardship Act Practices

WC-4. Consider retrofitting to 1.28-gpf (high-efficiency) toilets and high-efficiency urinals in government buildings

WC-5. Encourage non-potable reuse

WC-6. Encourage conservation pricing for residential and irrigation sprinkler systems

WC-7. Encourage installation of rain sensor shut-off switches on new irrigation systems

WC-8. Encourage agricultural irrigation efficiency improvements

WC-9. Encourage development of golf course-specific water conservation plans

WC-10. Encourage metering of permitted and non-permitted agricultural irrigation water use

WC-11.  Encourage the energy production industry to conserve water at facilities

Water Supply Management Practices

WS-1. Encourage development of water master plans

WS-2. Identify and map planned, existing, or offline reservoirs, and consider expansion of existing reservoirs, as needed

WS-3. Consider construction of new reservoirs to meet multiple purposes

WS-4. Consider development of new groundwater wells

WS-5. Encourage indirect potable reuse

WS-6. Consider construction of new water treatment plants (WTPs) or expansion of existing WTPs

WS-7. Encourage water system asset management

WS-8. Encourage source water protection

Related Pages

Water Related Links

Download the Regional Water Plan