Georgia's Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan

While water in Georgia is abundant, it is not unlimited. It must be carefully managed to meet long-term water needs. Historically, decisions about water management were made largely in response to specific problems. Meeting future water challenges will require a more proactive and comprehensive approach.To better balance demands on the state's water resources, the Georgia legislature authorized development of a comprehensive statewide water plan. The result is a blueprint that, when executed, will guide future decisions about water management across the state, in large part through a flexible framework for regional water planning.This paper describes the objectives and process undertaken to develop Georgia's first State Water Plan and presents the results that will guide sustainable water resources management. This work has significance for all of Georgia, our neighboring states, and other areas interested in sustainable water management over a large area with diverse water resources and varied stakeholder interests.