State water policy alternatives for instream and downstream flow protection

Abstract

The question addressed is: What should be the state policy for protecting the instream and downstream uses, and how should this policy be implemented? That is, how should the state decide (a) whether to issue a permit for new or increased water withdrawal, thereby allowing reduction of streamflow, and (b) what conditions to specify in the permit to reduce losses to the existing and future stream users? The panelists present their proposals for what the policy should be, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative policies. The panel is intended to provide ideas and information useful as background for the public, EPD and the Georgia Water Council in preparing the state policy component of the Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan.