Tri-State Water Fight Now in Florida Courtroom

With the fate of metro-Atlanta's drinking water supply now in the hands of a federal judge, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson says it's time the attorneys stepped aside. And, with no quick decision expected in the case, Isakson says lawyers have argued the case for nearly two decades and nothing's been accomplished. He says it's time cooler heads prevailed.

"We've had far too much litigation and not enough conversation. People with cool heads have got to sit down. We can't start lobbing bombs at one another and trying to gotcha each other politically. It's too important an issue that has hurt this region for far too long."

And, Isakson has volunteered to kick start the dialogue.

"If we get a bad ruling, the first thing that I'm going to do is invite (the senators from) Alabama and Florida, to join Saxby and I at a lunch to sit down and talk about how we cannot afford to play gotcha politics with the drinking water … that [the] basin provides."

This latest case, now being heard in a Florida court, consolidates seven cases into one and centers on metro Atlanta’s share of water from Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier is the area's primary drinking water source.

Florida would like an increase in the amount of water released from the dam to protect endangered shell fish. Alabama wants more water to cool its nuclear power plants.

Augusta Canal to be drained

Augusta's historic waterway is set to be drained. The Augusta Canal will go dry next month so the city can install new water lines that transfer drinking water. The goal is to meet the city's water needs through 2050. The Augusta Canal is a National Heritage Area that attracts cyclists along its banks as well as boaters.

(Associated Press)