As Georgia’s population grows, our state’s water resources are being stretched further and further towards their limits. Pressure is mounting to create manmade solutions to the water supply challenge through the use of interbasin transfers and the construction of new reservoirs. Both options can bring high economic and ecological costs to our river systems and downstream communities. This paper will focus on interbasin transfers and recommended policies for addressing them effectively in Georgia. The paper will also briefly address the use of septic systems, which can also result in potential water loss from the basin of origin. The Georgia Water Coalition continues to emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all policy or solution that represents the best option to maximize returns to every river basin in Georgia. Because of this, the Coalition believes that sub-state and watershed planning is a crucial next step once broader statewide policies have been established.

Re-printed with permission from www.georgiaconservancy.org