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Spring/Summer 2002 Newsletter
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Water
Resource Use and Conservation in Georgia
Surface water, ground water, and wetlands are interconnected resources that
are vital to our coastal ecosystems, and these water resources are already
being overused. For example, by taking too much groundwater for one type of
user (industry), we have greatly reduced the capacity of the aquifer to
provide potable drinking water for continued population growth. Because
such huge amounts are withdrawn for industry and power production, if
current water use efficiency in coastal Georgia could be improved by just
10%, enough water would be saved to support population growth for at least
35 years. This approach would provide needed water without further
jeopardizing water resources or aquatic life, unlike virtually every other
alternative.
The coastal region's economy greatly depends on water flow and water quality
throughout vast watersheds, covering more than 60% of Georgia's geographic
area, to support nature-based businesses.
Yet, we continue to parcel out and deplete water resources as if there is no
limit. With the approval of state officials, every year more water is being
taken out of coastal river systems and aquifers, and more wetlands are being
ditched, drained and filled. Combined, these practices are depleting the
capacity of our natural water-dependent ecosystems. No one knows for
certain how much environmental damage would be done by taking still more
water from the Altamaha, Ogeechee and other coastal rivers. We do know that
our rivers are under threat from rapidly growing upstream areas - every year
there are more state permits issued for taking water from our rivers and for
discharging more waste into them. This unquestionably reduces the amount
and quality of fresh water available downstream here on the coast.
Furthermore, statewide from 1989 through 1998, EPD issued wastewater permits
for the release of 83% more toxins into Georgia waters. (EPA Toxic Release
Inventory reports.)
Instead of proceeding recklessly by withdrawing and impounding more water
from our rivers, and granting still more pollution permits, we should
consider making existing amounts of water go further by conserving water
presently being wasted. This would solve all Georgia's water supply
problems for the foreseeable future.(SEE BOX PAGE 10)
* National studies have found that between 10% and 50% of water in
municipal, commercial, and industrial systems is being squandered - either
through faulty equipment (leaking pipes, valves & meters), excessive use
(like irrigating during a rainstorm!), or obsolete, water-intensive
processing methods.
* There has been no comprehensive Georgia study to evaluate the feasibility
of achieving greater water use efficiency, while the state continues to
issue permits that further threaten public resources unnecessarily.
We need to get smart about water use in Georgia sooner rather than later.
This means adopting and enforcing an aggressive water conservation policy,
while becoming more thoughtful about development choices. We should choose
options that are compatible with our natural environment and the proven,
traditional nature-based business sector - having a growth potential beyond
most every other alternative - while preserving our quality of life within
the sustainable capacity of natural systems. Natural resources are our most
irreplaceable form of public wealth - let's invest them wisely for the
continuing benefit of this and future generations.
Note: This piece and other position papers are posted for public review on
the Georgia Comprehensive Water Plan Study Committee website,
www.cviog.uga.edu/water.
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