Regional 50 year water supply plan for City of Rome, Floyd County and City of Cave Spring

Abstract

The City of Cave Spring, Floyd County, and the City of Rome wanted to evaluate water supply opportunities for each entity separately and explore the possibility of joint management and development of water supply alternatives. A longterm time frame of 50 years allowed for a more thorough study of water demand and supply options. This study was undertaken both in response to House Bill 489, which outlined water service areas to ensure no duplication of service, and at the recommendation of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Rome and Floyd County both have water withdrawals requests pending with the EPD, and regional coordination is desired. Since the original water supply plan was finalized, EPD has provided planning level total water withdrawal allocations expectations for the entire county, which has compelled an update of the alternatives recommended. Total allowable withdrawals will likely be more common as Georgia continues to grow placing competing demands on water resources.