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Uses of Georgia's Water Resources

Like most populated areas, the American state of Georgia has a limited supply of water. Water resources in Georgia are scattered across municipal, commercial and residential usage, with the majority of it devoted to the state's power plants. Because of the limited supply, the state has passed laws about when outdoor water sources can be used, so as to assure that there is always water available when needed.

  1. Electrical Usage

    • The greatest percentage of Georgia's water resources are used on the state's electrical sector, especially coal and nuclear plants. The turbines in these plants are powered by steam converted from water, much of which is lost in the process. Older plants can lose up to half of all water used.

    Agricultural Usage

    • Close second in water usage to Georgia's electrical plants is the state's agricultural industry. As Georgia's largest and oldest industry, agriculture is an important part of the state's infrastructure. The state is the American leader in production of peanuts, broiler chickens, watermelons and pecans, while other items include tomatoes, peaches, cotton, cabbage, blueberries and livestock such as cattle, horses, hogs, turkeys and alligators. Most water used in crop irrigation can't be recaptured, neither can any be used to raise animals. Water demand varies by crop and animal.

    Commercial and Residential Usage

    • Both commercial and residential water usage fall under state regulations including the Converse Water Act, which places a limit on the amount of water that can be used in a day with a few permitted exceptions allowed by the Environmental Protection Division.

    Outdoor Usage

    • The Georgia Water Stewardship Act, which went into effect in June of 2010, regulates when outdoor water sources, such as external hoses, may be used. Plants, including flowers, trees, shrubberies and other vegetation, may be watered daily between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. This time avoids midday, when high heat causes faster evaporation. Other external residential water usage, such as car washing, are regulated by days of the week according to the street number of the residence, alternating days for even and odd addresses.

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