Statewide Water Management Plan
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.
ACCG Summary of Water Plan
This page provides an outline of the water plan’s major components, particularly as they relate to Georgia counties. As counties will be greatly impacted by the water plan, it is important they be aware of what is being implemented; stay involved in the planning process; remain vigilant in seeking a long-term, dedicated source of funding for the plan; and discourage future legislation sought by special interests seeking to undermine water planning and conservation goals.
The Water Plan Online
This link takes you to the actual Georgia Statewide Water Management Plan.
The Plan in Progress:
Final Water Plan Regional Boundaries are Delineated
On April 4, 2008, approximately 80 counties were sent letters by EPD, providing them an option to possibly opt out of one region and into another if their request was substantiated based on various factors. Five (5) Georgia counties (Bulloch, Habersham, Haralson, Laurens and Walton) submitted such requests. Haralson and Laurens were granted their opt out request, moving into the Middle Chattahoochee and Upper Oconee water planning regions, respectively. Additionally, Walton County was granted permission to move out of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and into the Upper Oconee region.
Final Map of Water Planning Regions: http://www.georgiawaterplanning.org/Files_PDF/Water_Planning_Regions_Map.pdf
EPD Issues Official Call For Nominations for Regional Water Planning Councils
Nominations must be received by August 29, 2008
In accordance with the Georgia Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan, formal nominations for 28 seats (25 members and 3 alternates) on each of 10 regional Water Planning Councils are now being accepted by the EPD. While several commissioners and staff have forwarded their names to ACCG for Water Council consideration, these individuals must also complete and submit this official nomination form to EPD. The nomination material is provided below:
Please note that while these nominations will be compiled by the EPD, reviewed by three other state agencies, and forwarded to the Governor, Lt. Governor and House Speaker for consideration, nothing ties these three appointing officials to select from this nominations list. Accordingly ACCG highly recommends that those interested in serving on the regional councils utilize their contacts in these offices and with the General Assembly to express their interest in serving.
EPD Water Plan Activities Update
This April 4, 2008 letter by EPD updates the then status of Water Plan activities, focusing on water planning regions, the formation of regional water planning councils and the beginning phases of Water Plan implementation.
Upcoming Water Plan Events and Developments:
· June 16, 2008: Deadline for counties to submit regional opt-out request
· July 1, 2008 – July 31, 2008: Water Conservation Implementation Plan first public review
· July 16, 2008: Announcement of final water planning regional boundaries
· July 18, 2008: EPD call for nominations for regional water planning councils
· January 1, 2009: Announcement of regional water planning council membership
Water Plan Archives
Governor’s Press Release on Signing Water Plan
ACCG Letter Urging House to Adopt Water Plan
ACCG Letter Urging Senate to Adopt Water Plan
ACCG Press Release on Water Council Adopting Water Plan
ACCG Action Alert Urging Assured Local Government Participation in Water Plan, 12-11-07
ACCG Comments to Water Council Justifying Assured Local Government Participation, 12-07-07
ACCG Comments to Water Council on Draft Plan, 08-17-07 |
