Tri-State Water Wars Overview

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What is the Tri-State Water Wars?

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A decades-long dispute over shared water resources between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida involving the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) and Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) river basins.

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Why are the ACF and ACT river basins important?

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They are used for drinking water, power generation, agriculture, aquaculture, navigation, and recreation.

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What role does the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers play in the water wars?

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They operate reservoirs like Lake Lanier and Allatoona Lake, which are crucial for metro Atlanta's water supply.

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What was the outcome of Florida's 2014 lawsuit against Georgia?

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The U.S. Supreme Court denied Florida's request to limit Georgia's water use, finding no substantial harm caused by Georgia.

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What is the significance of the 2021 Supreme Court ruling?

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It marked a turning point for Metro Atlanta's water use, affirming that its consumption was reasonable and not harmful to the environment.

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What was the 2015 update to the ACT Water Control Manual about?

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The Corps updated the manual but initially did not address Metro Atlanta's water needs, leading to legal action.

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What decision did the Corps make in August 2021 regarding Allatoona Lake?

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The Corps granted Metro Atlanta's water supply requests, ensuring needs are met through 2050 without significant adverse impacts.

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What are 'made inflows'?

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Reclaimed water returned to a reservoir for reuse, crucial for Metro Atlanta's long-term water supply plan.

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What was the 2017 update to the ACF Water Control Manual?

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The Corps adopted a final manual ensuring Metro Atlanta's water needs are met through 2050, with minimal environmental impact.

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What was the court's decision in August 2021 regarding the ACF Water Control Manual?

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The court ruled in favor of the Corps, affirming its decision to meet Metro Atlanta's water needs and rejecting challenges by Alabama and environmental groups.