City of Savannah Water, the Lifeblood of a Community

Local Issues Impact of Statewide Water Plan Impact of Statewide Water Plan  River basins  Aquifer basins Groundwater Groundwater  Artesian Water Level Decline  Saltwater Intrusion  Sound Science Initiative

Actions Following Corps Water Resource Study in 1983 Following Corps Water Resource Study in 1983  EPD implements plan to reduce groundwater use 1989, 5 MGD cap placed on entire county 1989, 5 MGD cap placed on entire county No new industrial wells in Chatham County No new industrial wells in Chatham County Any new (or increased) industrial water demand must rely on surface water Any new (or increased) industrial water demand must rely on surface water

Actions In 1989, EPD advises Chatham County/Savannah to encourage the use of surface water for future needs In 1989, EPD advises Chatham County/Savannah to encourage the use of surface water for future needs June 1995, County-wide Water Supply Management Plan adopted June 1995, County-wide Water Supply Management Plan adopted April 1997, EPD releases Interim Strategy for 24 counties in southeast Georgia April 1997, EPD releases Interim Strategy for 24 counties in southeast Georgia

Interim Strategy Sound science studies initiated and funded by State appropriations and paper mills. Total cost for 7 year study is $14 million Sound science studies initiated and funded by State appropriations and paper mills. Total cost for 7 year study is $14 million All 24 counties to develop water plans All 24 counties to develop water plans Groundwater caps for Chatham, southern Effingham, and southern Bryan counties Groundwater caps for Chatham, southern Effingham, and southern Bryan counties Reduce groundwater use by 10 MGD in Chatham County by December 31, 2005 Reduce groundwater use by 10 MGD in Chatham County by December 31, 2005 Encourage and promote water conservation and reuse water whenever feasible Encourage and promote water conservation and reuse water whenever feasible

Why Xeriscape For Chatham County? Chatham County is capped from further water withdrawals. Chatham County is capped from further water withdrawals. Chatham County has to reduce 10 MGD by December 31, Chatham County has to reduce 10 MGD by December 31, % of an individuals water use is for landscapes. 60% of an individuals water use is for landscapes. It is an efficient way to use an important water resource. It is an efficient way to use an important water resource. It is cost effective. It is cost effective.

Contact Information Deatre N. Denion City of Savannah Environmental Planner P.O. Box 1027 Savannah, GA (Fax)