Less than a week ago a Georgia appeals court ruled in favor of metro Atlanta. The section of the state is currently allowed to use Lake Lanier as a water source.
Roger Martin, the Chattahoochee River Warden said that ruling may put Columbus out to dry. “Overall my gut impression at this time it's not good for south Georgia.”
Martin said Atlanta is currently using 700 million gallons of water a day. He said the 2.5 million people projected to move to the metro area in next 10 years puts the southern portion of Georgia at risk. Martin said Columbus' needs may be better suited with Alabama and Florida. “The water war has been termed by many as the state of Atlanta versus the rest of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.”
Because Lake Lanier, the water source in question, flows directly into the Chattahoochee, the impact will be forthcoming. Martin said the best solution for Columbus may not be known for another year when the Army Corp of Engineers completes a usage study.
In the meantime the river warden said there may be a green option. “Basically instead of the water being taken from the municipalities is treated water and used for irrigation. The semi-treated water, known as gray water, is not drinkable; it is piped back to residential areas. And they can use that for non potable water uses.”
The river warden said the metro Atlanta area is losing about 25% of water a day to leaks. Martin said, “The biggest thing right now is water conservation. We need to understand how critical water is to us.”
According to Martin, Alabama said it will appeal the decision to allow Atlanta to continue to use Lake Lanier. Florida has yet to respond.
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