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	Name:	SandyCreekman -
	Subject:	AJC on Water wars
	Date:	9/17/2007 7:22:16 PM

ajc.com > Metro

Ahead of the Curve
Water war still hot as drought continues

By STACY SHELTON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/17/07

The recent rainfall has done little to take the edge off the current drought, which already is setting records. And it's done nothing to douse the sparks between Georgia and Alabama, which are still battling over waters in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin, including Allatoona and Carters lakes in northwest Georgia.

During a teleconference last week with representatives from both states, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials said they are considering a reduction in the amount of water released from Allatoona Lake by the end of this month — a move strongly opposed by Alabama.

In addition to concerns about having enough water for operations at power plants and pulp and paper mills, Alabama officials are worried dredging on the Alabama River, which gets some of its water from Allatoona, will have to stop if water levels get too low. The Corps is dredging the river to make room for barges serving mills and other manufacturers.

Allatoona, which provides drinking water for Cobb County and other northwest metro Atlanta communities, has dropped 6 1/2 feet since the beginning of August, and is now more than 11 feet below full. The low lake level has exacerbated problems with an algae bloom in the lake, leading to some odor and taste complaints about the drinking water.

The Corps, which owns and operates the federal reservoir, began releasing additional water from the lake in late July after Alabama complained of not receiving enough to mitigate effects from the historic drought. In the worst-case scenario, Corps estimates show Allatoona could reach a record low level by the end of the year.

This month, congressional delegations from Georgia and Alabama met separately with Army Secretary Pete Geren, the top Army official who oversees the Corps.

According to The Associated Press, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said the additional releases from Allatoona must stop soon "or we're not going to have a lake. We're just going to have a mudhole."

Alabama officials contend metro Atlanta is getting more than its fair share of water.

This week, the two states and Florida will square off again in court over another waterway — the Chattahoochee River. Separate lawsuits over the river have been bundled into one case being heard in the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida by Judge Paul A. Magnuson from the District of Minnesota.