Transferring water from one river basin to another is a necessary tool in coping with Atlanta's water problem, the head of the state water association said Friday.
Jack Dozier, the executive director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, said during a conference held by the University of West Georgia that Atlanta's location on a ridge at the headwaters of eight rivers means transfers are almost inevitable.
"If you get a drink of water on the east side of Peachtree Street and use the bathroom on the west side of the street, you have just committed a major interbasin transfer," he quipped.
Lawmakers representing districts along the Savannah River basin aren't laughing. They are pushing for an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Doug McKillip, D-Athens, that would impose strict guidelines on interbasin transfers, the withdrawal of water from one river basin for use and discharge into another. They argue unrestricted transfers can harm the environment and rob economic potential from downstream communities.
McKillip's amendment is awaiting action in the two days left of the legislative session.
Dozier said interbasin transfers are "necessary and appropriate."
Environmentalists have also opposed the transfers, arguing the resulting disruptions in water flow could harm the ecology. Gil Rogers, an attorney with the Southeastern Environmental Law Center, told the conference that Gov. Sonny Perdue's Water Stewardship Act, which passed this session, is a better route because it fosters conservation.
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