Local officials slam state water plan

Shoal-marker and vegetation, both once submerged in West Point Lake, show extent of drought. (file photo/Dave Bender)

An eleventh hour change in the plan seeks to allocate water according to so-called “service delivery regions,” and not by watershed.

That concept didn't sit well with Bob Tant, Columbus Water Works vice-president:

"They introduced this change right at the last minute, and it was such a major change, it almost begs anyone who follows this process to have to bail out on the plan."

Critics decried what they say was a lack of local influence in decision-making. They fear the water plan serves political and business needs of Atlanta, more than those of communities downstream.

About 40 officials and experts attended the final round of these statewide meeting.

The final draft will go before the state legislature in January.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the water crisis.

Atlanta earns 'F' for water management

A Georgia environmental group gave Atlanta a failing grade for management of its water resources. Members of the Georgia Water Coalition said state officials have failed to promote conservation during years of the city’s rapid growth. The group urged state leaders to develop a long-term plan for efficient water use instead of pointing the finger at endangered species.

Georgia drought "historic and unprecedented"

Georgia's top water official called the state's drought "historic and unprecedented". Enviromental Protection Division director Carol Couch made those comments during Thursday's meeting of the Georgia Water Council.

The EPD says 55 areas of the state are in danger of water shortages. These areas draw water from small creeks or small reservoirs. Heard County officials said this week that their two main sources of water from small creeks have nearly dried up.

State gets first glimpse at water plan

Today the Georgia Water Council unveiled its statewide water plan. The goal is to make sure Georgia’s booming population has enough water while preventing pollution in Georgia’s rivers systems and groundwater. The public will be able to start commenting on the plan in mid-July. The final plan is expected to be approved by early December, and presented to the General Assembly in the next legislative session.

Columbus: State water issues on tap

The Georgia Water Council is set to discuss statewide water issues at a town hall meeting Tuesday evening in Columbus.

State agency heads and legislators dealing with water management are expected to attend the planning session, to be held at Columbus State University.

The event will be hosted at Founders Hall on the CSU campus from six to eight PM, and is open to the public.

More information on the subject is here: www.georgiawatercouncil.org.