CONSERVE WATER GEORGIA
Permittees
- Outdoor water use rule
- Coastal Georgia Water and Wastewater Permitting Plan
- Flint River Basin Regional Water Development and Conservation Plan
Resources
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulates the withdrawal and use of Georgia's ground and surface water resources. Anyone interested in withdrawing more than 100,000 gallons of water per day is required to obtain a permit from the EPD.
Permittees include agricultural, industrial and municipal users.
Documentation required to receive a non-farm water withdrawal permit includes:
- general documentation of water distribution
- creation of a water conservation plan
- annual reports
- five-year progress reports
For a complete list of permit requirements, visit the Water Withdrawal Permitting section on the EPD Web site.
Outdoor water use rule
The Board of Natural Resources adopted rules for outdoor water use, Chapter 391-3-30, in May 2004. Under the rules, Georgians are required to follow schedules for outdoor water use during non-drought periods and periods of declared drought. The rules are consistent with section 4: Drought Responses of the Georgia Drought Management Plan, which the board adopted in 2003. The rules apply to any entity, and its customers, permitted by EPD for water withdrawal or for the operation of a public drinking water supply system.
Coastal Georgia Water and Wastewater Permitting Plan
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has a plan to manage the water resources of the state’s coastal region. It is based on the scientific findings of a seven-year study of groundwater use in the 24-county coastal area performed to address the concern that pumping groundwater in the region is allowing salt water to seep into the Floridan aquifer, a principal source of drinking water.
EPD developed guidance documents for entities in the 24 coastal counties addressed in the plan.
- Introduction - September 2007
- Method for Determining Future Water Demand Needs for Public/Private Water Systems - August 2007
- Method for Determining Future Water Demand Needs for Industrial Systems (Word DOC)
- Method for Determining Future Water Demand Needs for Golf Course Systems (Word DOC)
- Alternate Water Sources
- Reuse Feasibility Analysis
- Adoption and Implementation of Outdoor Water Schedules
- Conservation-Oriented Rate Structures
- Conservation Education
- Model Ordinances
- Water Loss Control
- Water Leak Detection and Repair
- Water Meter Calibration, Repair and Replacement
- Water Audits
- AWWA Water Audit Software (Excel Spreadsheet)
Flint River Basin Regional Water Development and Conservation Plan
The Flint River Basin Water Development and Conservation Plan was initiated in October 1999 in response to a prolonged drought, increased agricultural irrigation in southwest Georgia since the late 1970’s and scientific studies that predicted severe impacts on streamflow in the Flint River Basin due to withdrawals from area streams and the Floridan aquifer. As defined in Georgia statutes, regional water development and conservation plans shall promote the conservation and reuse of water within the state, guard against a shortage of water within the state, promote the efficient use of the water resource, and be consistent with the public welfare of the state." (O.C.G.A. 12-5-31(h)).