The Water System in Georgia

Water connects all of us in Georgia

We all know that water’s a vital part of life. It is essential for agricultural, industrial, and household use as well as for basic human health and economic development.

Right now, Georgia water systems are in danger. A proposed mining project threatens the Okefenokee Swamp, an important resource that is home to some of Georgia’s most treasured wildlife. Single use plastics are endangering marine environments. And coal ash is polluting our water with lead, mercury, and other heavy metals.

To support our life, our health, and our economy we need a healthy water system all the way from watershed, to marsh, to stream, to river, to estuary, to ocean.  We can work with resilient natural systems to make this happen or we can attempt to replicate their function through artificial means. By looking at this issue through the lens of One Health - we can deliver solutions that are effective for people, animals, and nature.

Check out the resources below to learn more and to get involved in supporting our water system.

Georgia River Basins. From (https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1385&title=Water%20Issues%20in%20Georgia:%20A%20Survey%20of%20Public%20Perceptions%20and%20Attitudes%20about%20Water)

Learn About Water

Science Lookup Resources

Atlanta Science Tavern: The Science of Beer

January 28th, 2023 7pm – 9pm In Person Location: Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 What goes into making a high quality beer and why would… [...]

Sci4Ga Particapates in Wasting Our Waterways Press Conference

Everything we put into the environment eventually washes into our waterways. Fifty years ago the Clean Water Act was a bold step forward in cleaning up our water. In the… [...]

Every Drop Matters

Water quality has a direct impact on our health and the health of the ecosystem. Check out these videos below to learn more about various issues that are directly effecting… [...]

Bad Neighbor Bill

HB 1150 has been introduced in the Georgia General Assembly. It nearly eliminates the ability of farmers and other Georgia property owners to protect themselves from nuisances moving in next… [...]

Don’t Mine Near the Okefenokee

By a 10-year-old 5th grader! Kudos to her. The Okefenokee Swamp is in south Georgia and is the largest black water swamp in North America. It is a great place… [...]

Soil Health and Land Management

“Healthy soils give us clean air and water, bountiful crops and forests, productive grazing lands, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.” USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil is comprised of minerals,… [...]

What are PFAS (forever chemicals)?

“Forever Chemicals” have been in the news a lot lately. Below is some information on what they are and why their presence is a health concern. Composition of PFAS Per-… [...]

Open Letter From the Science Community: Proposed Mining Near Okefenokee Swamp

The science and engineering community has composed and signed this letter about the most-likely effects of a mine near the Okefenokee Swamp. Sept 16, 2022 Open letter to the Georgia… [...]

Sacred Waters: The Okefenokee in Peril

The Okefenokee is under threat from proposed mining near its edge. Learn more about this natural treasure from Okefenokee Protection Alliance (OPA) by watching Sacred Waters: The Okefenokee in Peril. The… [...]

AST: Explore the Chattahoochee Riverlands

Nov 20th, 2021In person Atlanta Brewing Company, 2323 Defoor Hills Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 The Chattahoochee River bisects the metro Atlanta region, touching 19 cities and 7 counties. Nearly… [...]

Resources from Georgia Water Orgs

Simple Steps to Support Water Systems

Specific Issues in Georgia

Okefenokee Swamp

A strip mine is proposed near the Okefenokee Swamp. The science points to at least temporary and possible permanent damage.

Learn more and reach out to your Legislator

Stop the Sludge

Industrial waste, masquerading as a soil amendment, is being dumped on farmland - spreading toxins on our land and into our water.

Advocate for transparency and safety

Single Use Plastics

Chemically, single use plastics last forever but are generally designed to be used only once and thrown away.

Advocate for reduction of use

Coal Ash

Coal Ash, the leftover waste from burning coal, can seep into the water and soil, affecting Georgian’s health and well-being.

Advocate for greater oversight and improved storage

Coastal Stewardship

Georgia's coast is beautiful and home to vibrant ecosystems that support people, animals, and nature.

Care for the Beaches of Georgia

Lead in School Water

Lead is in drinking water at schools, but there are no state standards for testing, safe levels, or remediation.

Learn More

Sci4GA's Scavenger Hunt to the Sea

Explore water through an online (and in person) journey through Georgia’s Connected Waterways – featuring 11 stops from amazing water organizations around the state. Complete every online stop by Sept 5 to qualify for prizes. Find more information here.

Water Organizations

Learn more about Georgia Water Stewards by clicking on their icon. Each group offers ways to learn more about them and ways to get involved!