With Georgia's severe 2006-2008 drought and the formulation and implementation of a statewide water management foremost on state and local policymakers' agendas, ACCG's GAH2O web site has been updated to better provide Georgia counties a wealth of information on timely water issues impacting them and the communities they serve.

Coupled with Georgia’s continued economic and population growth, the historically-severe drought of 2006-08 has instilled the reality that Georgia is indeed vulnerable to water limitations and has underlined the urgency that the state adopt a comprehensive statewide water management plan (Water Plan). Encouragingly, this plan has been proposed by the State Water Council and adopted by the General Assembly in 2008.

The Plan in Progress: Visit here for an update of ongoing Water Plan activities and important implementation dates

Water Plan Archives: This page highlights activities and correspondence leading up to the passage of the Water Plan by the 2008 General Assembly.

Resulting from the passage of SB 342 during the 2008 legislative session the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) approved program policies for the Georgia Reservoir & Water Supply Fund on May 20.  GEFA also issued guidelines for the Georgia Water Supply Competitive Grant Program, which will distribute $40 million in grant funds to assist local governments with improving water supply and making that supply more resistant to periods of drought.  Counties must act quickly if they wish to take advantage of these grants as applications must be submitted to GEFA by August 29, 2008.  

Water Resources from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
           
An array of research-based water management and water-related resources is available for everyone, from elected officials to Georgia’s citizens, to aid in making responsible and informed decisions.

New Drought Designations Announced, May 6, 2008: On May 6, Georgia’s Drought Response Committee announced several changes to the State’s current Drought Response Level. In making these recommendations, Dr. Carol Couch, EPD Director, stated “it is important to recognize that the drought does still continue and I urge every citizen to continue to conserve”. She added that “Georgia’s drought indicators are at a worse starting point than this time last year, but we are better prepared to deal with the challenges of water allocation in some areas. The Winter use reductions have been very successful and we need to continue with this culture of conservation.”

Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) has a history of water resource management leadership. ACCG was a primary partner in multiple technical assistance efforts undertaken by the Georgia Water Management Campaign in the mid-1990s. We were primary advocates of the now-in-progress Comprehensive State Water Management Plan, and have worked hand in hand with Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, the Department of Community Affairs and legislators to promote water stewardship, best management practices and conservation.