AWWA ACE69036

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of coastal Georgia's abundant water resources, and coastal groundwater sources such as the Floridan Aquifer and the Brunswick Aquifer. Georgia's 24 coastal counties are listed, along with water usage by county, a cross section of the Floridan Aquifer, and coastal Georgia's historical use of the Floridan Aquifer. The study focuses on coastal groundwater issues such as pumping along the coast is reducing pressure (aquifer full), saltwater intrusion is the result of reduced pressure specifically in the Brunswick area, and recent evidence of encroachment from the sea is occuring faster than previously thought. The Coastal Sound Science Initiative is presented and has the following goals: conduct studies to prevent saltwater from moving to Hilton Head, Savannah, and Brunswick; develop a digital flow model to simulate the groundwater flow system; develop a solute transport model to evaluate rates of saltwater contamination under various scenarios; determine exact locations where saltwater enters the shallow wells; alternative sources - Miocene, Seepage Ponds, etc.; and, man-made barriers to stop saltwater. Key elements of an interim strategy are presented, along with a coastal water supply plan, and new operating permit conditions in 24 coastal counties.