Council Nominations

Click here to open a link to the Application Portal for Potential Nominees

 

Recent legislation signed by Governor Kemp has revised  the composition and term for the Regional Water Planning Councils. The updated  designation of Water Planning Councils can be found in Section 14 (page 35) of the State Water Plan. 

 

Under the State Water Plan, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will work in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Economic Development to solicit qualified nominees. Submissions will be collected electronically through the Georgia Water Planning website.

 

Nominations will be sought from a broad range of sectors, including business, agriculture, forestry, local government, education, environmental organizations, and the general public. The goal is to ensure councils reflect a balanced representation of interests such as agriculture, industry, commerce, water utilities, regional development, tourism, recreation, and environmental stewardship.

 

After the nominees are collected, agencies will present qualified candidates to the appointing authorities. Final appointments will be made by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Additional ex-officio members may also be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

 

The nomination period will last for 45 days, with an opening date of July 15, 2026. Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis, but the agencies will collect names by August 29, 2026 to present qualified nominees to the appointing officials for a mid-2026 appointment timeframe. 

 

Service Requirements

All nominees should be aware of the following commitments:

  • Residency: Must reside within the geographic boundaries of the applicable water planning region. 
  • Service Commitment: A six-year term, including attending up to four meetings per year, participating in discussions, reviewing materials, and contributing subject-matter expertise. 
  • Training Commitment: Completion of required training for council members.

 

Desired Qualifications

Nominees should demonstrate experience in at least one of the following areas:

  • Elected city or county leadership
  • Water or wastewater operations and planning (municipal, industrial, agricultural, or energy sectors)
  • Water data collection and analysis
  • City, county, or regional planning or economic development
  • Environmental education or outreach related to water resources
  • Water-related decision-making
  • Service on boards, committees, or councils
  • Other forms of public service

Previous service on an RWP Council will also be considered.

 

How to Apply or Be Nominated

Nominations may be submitted either by the individual (self-nomination) or by an organization or interest group. Submissions will include:

  • A summary of qualifications
  • Confirmation of interest and availability to serve
  • Letter(s) of recommendation (for those not self-nominated)
  • Optional resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 

There is no “save draft” function on the application page, so applicants will have to finish the questionnaire before leaving. The list of questions on the application can be found below:

  • Is this a self-nomination?
  • Full name of nominee (include any preferred names or nicknames, if applicable):
  • Primary home address of nominee (no P.O. boxes):
  • County - Water Planning Region:
  • Preferred email address of nominee:
  • Preferred phone number of nominee:
    • Indicate a work, home, or mobile phone number
  • Demand sector(s) represented by nominee:
  • Is the nominee an elected official?
  • Has the nominee previously served on a Regional Water Planning Council?
  • Describe the nominee's experience in municipal, industrial, agricultural, or thermoelectric energy water and/or wastewater operation and planning.
  • Describe the nominee's knowledge and experience in collecting and analyzing water data.
  • Describe the nominee's experience in city, county, or regional planning or economic development. 
  • Describe the nominee's experience in environmental education and/or outreach with a concentration in water resources. 
  • Describe the nominee's experience with water-related decision-making. 
  • Describe the nominee's experience serving on a Board, Committee, Council, or other decision-making body. 
  • Describe the nominee's other public service attributes. 
  • Describe any Other Additional Considerations the Nominee Possesses. 
  • Insert a Letter of Recommendation.
  • Insert additional supporting attachment (resume/CV/etc.).

 

Click here to open a link to the Application Portal for Potential Nominees

 

We are excited to resume this important work and appreciate the public’s continued interest in supporting Georgia’s water resources planning efforts.

Please contact the Regional Water Planning team at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or concerns.