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.