Water Rights

"Water is truly our lifeblood and the key to our future economic development."

After over 20 years of litigation, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in June 2011 what Georgia has long argued: that Lake Lanier is authorized for water supply. This ruling overturned an order by a federal judge in 2009, ruling it illegal to draw water from Lake Lanier to meet the needs of Georgians. If the order had been implemented, it has been estimated to have cost Georgia's economy $40 billion per year. Citizens and businesses alike can now rest assured that the water needs of Georgia will be met.

In the ruling, the Court directed the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to update the 1959 Water Control Manual for Buford Dam, which has never been updated. The Court also gave the Corps one year to complete a study to determine how to allocate water from Lake Lanier.

Attorney General Olens has aggressively advocated for Georgia's fair share of its natural resources, and is working with Governor Nathan Deal and other key Georgia leaders to resolve this critical issue.

"Notwithstanding the ruling, now is the time for Georgia, Alabama, and Florida to resolve this matter critically important to all of our citizens," said Attorney General Olens. "We must also remain committed to exploring strategies for greater water conservation and additional reservoirs."