The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has modified the 2012 suspension of agricultural water withdrawal permits in portions of the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee River Basins (pictured), meaning southwest Georgia farmers will soon get the benefit of more water Lake Lanier sends downstream.
The EPD action, announced Wednesday by Gov. Brian Kemp, will allow the issuance of the first new agricultural water withdrawal permits in that part of the state in more than a decade. Starting April 1, EPD will accept applications for groundwater withdrawal permits that will include drought-related measures to continue ensuring the long-term well-being of water resources essential to Georgia farmers.
“As Georgia farmers continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, I could not be more proud to deliver this good news,” Kemp said. “I am grateful to the EPD for their diligent and hard work in ensuring that our state is on a path that protects both Georgia farmers and our water resources.”
More information about the modification to the suspension is available on the EPD website.