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

August 26th, 2023 7pm – 9pm In Person Location: Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 Atlanta Science Tavern: Environmental Justice in Hazardous Waste Clean-Ups Description Environmental [...]

The world is awash in plastic. In order to create a greener future, Georgians need to understand the dangers of plastic and plastic recycling so that legislators can use that [...]

On June 21, 2023 the Johns Creek Environmental Campus hosted a Scavenger Hunt to the Sea Day at the Stop. JCEC is a $138M state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility with an [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

“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, [...]

“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- [...]

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.

Stop the Sludge

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

Single Use Plastics

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

Coal Ash

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

Coastal Stewardship

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

Lead in School Water

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

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!