Seeping Through Our Fingers

Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation and its economic prosperity is directly tied to water. Access to fresh water is critical to the state’s economy, the public health, our natural systems, and the quality of life for all citizens of the South. As the population and economy grow, demands on the state’s water supplies will grow as well. Unfortunately, over the past few decades, shortsighted decisions about water management have left us with:

• A looming water crisis that threatens devastating consequences to our economy and our quality of life
• Tri-state water wars
• An aged infrastructure that is leaking 17 million gallons of treated water daily
• Runaway water rates that have increased 206% over the last 10 years
• The potential for a "reduction in economic output by 26-39 billion dollars over the next 10 years." (Water Contingency Planning Task Force, Nov. 2009)

Addressing these future water challenges requires a proactive and comprehensive approach now.