Energy impacts on Georgia’s water resources
Abstract
The link between Georgia’s energy and
water resources is profound. According to state
statistics, Georgia’s energy industry is the largest water
user, outside of the agricultural sector. Similarly at the
national level, the electric industry follows closely on
the heels of irrigation as the largest water user in the
U.S. Georgia’s electricity supplies threaten state water
resources that affect important aspects of the state’s
tourism, agriculture and fishing industries.
A comparison of different energy supply
technologies, including renewable supplies and energy
efficiency measures, shows that complementary water
and energy saving goals can be met, resulting in net
water savings. State water policy needs to support a
shift toward sustainable energy practices that conserve
rather than squander limited water supplies.