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Georgia, like many states, faces an increase in waterdemand while having only limited water resources.Georgia also has the pressing problems of explosivepopulation growth, severe drought, and saltwaterintrusion along its coastline. In addition, several of itsriver basins are shared by Florida and Alabama, whohave their own water demands and concerns.This article explores these issues and the actions theGeorgia Legislature and state departments have takento find a balance between developing and preservingwater resources. Some of the steps include developing astatewide Water Conservation Plan and imposing amoratorium on issuing new groundwater irrigationpermits in the lower Flint River Basin and new surfacewater permits in the entire basin. The state also institutedthe Flint River Drought Protection Act (FRDPA)of 2000, which provides financial incentives for farmersto voluntarily suspend irrigation in severe droughtyears. Also, Georgia has entered into "compacts" tonegotiate with Alabama and Florida and develop equitableformulas to share the water in its river basins.Although several steps have been taken, there havebeen difficulties along the way. Because of problemswith the irrigation auctions (a component of theFRDPA), the Georgia Environmental Protection Divisionwas sued (the suit was later dismissed), and negotiationsbetween Georgia and Florida reached an impassein October 2003. Yet, despite the obstacles, water isbeing conserved in Georgia, and the water conservationplanning process continues. Includes 17 references, table, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 96 - No. 4 Published: 04/01/2004 Number of Pages: 7File Size: 1 file , 1.5 MB