High Altitude View of State Water Planning

2. High Altitude View of State Water Planning

3. State Water Plan 2004 Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Planning Act mandated development of state-wide water plan to support a far-reaching vision for water resource management: "Georgia manages water resources in a sustainable manner to support the state’s economy, to protect public health and natural systems, and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens" (O.C.G.A. 12-5-522(a)). EPD developed plan with Georgia Water Council oversight and Basin Advisory Councils’ input Plan adopted by 2008 General Assembly

4. Key Elements Forecasts Resource Assessments Regional Planning

5. Forecasting What are current and future water and assimilative capacity needs in each planning region? Population Forecast (OPB/UGA) Municipal Industrial Agriculture Energy Council & Ad Hoc Inputs & Adjustments

6. Resource Assessments Objectives Assess ability of resources to meet current needs without substantially altering hydrologic flow regime Surface Water Groundwater Determine sustainable yield of prioritized aquifers Evaluate capacity of surface water to assimilate pollutants without compromising water quality Water Quality

7. Resource Assessments Methodology What are capacities of regional water resources? Surface Water Availability Groundwater Availability Water Quality (Assimilative Capacity) • Develop and run simulation models • Establish unacceptable impact criteria • Evaluate current conditions for baseline assessment • Apply future demand and management practices

9. Regional Planning Process

10. Summary Schedule Capacity Analyses Data & Standards Resource Assessments Form Councils Planning Guidance Population, Ag, M&I, & Energy Forecasting Regional Planning Plan Review Implementation 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

12. www.georgiawaterplanning.org