Water Ruling Favors Atlanta

After years of water wars between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, a federal judge ruled that Atlanta could use the water from Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s primary water source.

After years of water wars between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, a federal judge ruled that Atlanta could use the water from Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s primary water source. The north Georgia lake was created in 1956 by damming the Chattahoochee River, which flows into Alabama and also feeds the Appalachicola River, which flows further south, into Florida.

Both rivers are essential for industry, wildlife, and seafood downstream.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley responded to the court denying his state’s appeal with a statement which said, ““We are disappointed with the decision of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and will immediately seek review of the ruling in the United States Supreme Court. Allowing Atlanta to tap water from Lake Lanier significantly limits the flow of water downstream to Alabama. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant review of this case.”