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- Info
Whose water is it? Major water allocation issues facing Georgia
| Author: |
Kundell, James E.; Tetens, Diana |
| Date: |
1989 |
| Periodical: |
Athens, GA: University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government |
| Link: |
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/pdfs/pprs.water.pdf
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| Abstract: |
Even though Georgia is one of the \'\'wettest\'\' states in the United States, we are faced with water allocation issues that place us on the cutting edge of eastern water law. This is the result of water conflicts that have emerged among competing water users, both within the state and
between Georgia and some of our neighboring states. These water issues are very significant, with substantial environmental and economic consequences. Four major water quantity issues currently face Georgia: 1. apportioning water with neighboring states; 2. addressing the saltwater intrusion problems alongthe coast;
3. maintaining sufficient stream flows to protect
water quality and aquatic communities; and 4. concerns over how we allocate water to competing users within the state.
Although most eastern states are tightening their water management programs, Georgia is at the forefront in addressing these issues.
Equitable and effective resolution of these water allocation issues requires that well-thought-out processes be put in place to generate the necessary information and insights. Based on a common information base achieved through a multiyear study, the states of Alabama, Florida,
and Georgia have moved toward resolution of the issues relating to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint and Alabama-Coosa-Talapoosa river basins. Legislation creating river basin compacts has been enacted by all three states, ratified by Congress, and signed by the president. The next step is to develop an allocation formula agreed
to by all parties which will determine how water is to be shared by the states. If such an agreement is not reached, the compacts will dissolve and the issues will return to the federal courts for resolution. Relying on the courts to resolve these issues would build in several years of unknowns concerning the amount of water each state has to manage. This will happen, however, if any state feels that its legitimate concerns are not being addressed by
the formula. Agreement among the states will be reached only if the formula is perceived as being fair to all parties. This will require thorough consideration of the legitimate needs of water users in all three states and a negotiation process that leads to a formula based on those needs. |
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