Congressman Rich McCormick (R-Suwanee) says $2.5 million in community project funding has been earmarked for the Lake Lanier Water Quality Initiative, a regional effort to reduce nutrient pollution and protect the drinking water source for millions of Georgians.
The project, led by the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center in partnership with local governments and conservation districts, will focus on reducing excess phosphorus and nitrogen entering Lake Lanier from both agricultural and urban sources. These nutrients have contributed to harmful algal blooms and water quality challenges that threaten public health, wildlife, and the long-term reliability of the region’s water supply.
“This funding allows us to take science-driven steps to reduce nutrient pollution, support our farmers and local partners, and ensure clean drinking was for the families who rely on it every day,” said McCormick, whose congressional district includes part of Hall County and others in the Lake Lanier region.
The announcement follows recent reporting on seasonal taste and odor issues affecting drinking water in Gainesville and elsewhere. While the water remains safe, the underlying conditions in Lake Lanier make regular monitoring and nutrient management increasingly important, McCormick says.
With this funding, he adds, partners will implement best management practices, provide technical and financial assistance to landowners, enhance stormwater controls, and expand watershed monitoring to establish a long-term baseline for lake health.