GEOGRAPHY

• Originates near Ellicott Rock in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
• Forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
• Drains a watershed of 10,577 square miles.
• Includes manmade lakes: Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond.
• Flows through four physiographic regions: Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, Upper Coastal Plain, Lower Coastal Plain.
• Ends in a marine estuary near Tybee Island, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

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DRINKING WATER

• Provides drinking water for 1.4 million people, mainly in Augusta and Savannah.
• Coastal cities (Beaufort and Hilton Head) increasing dependence on the river due to saltwater intrusion.

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COASTAL ACTIVITIES

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• Supports fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and oystering.
• Salt marshes and islands provide kayaking and exploration opportunities.
• The Intracoastal Waterway allows safer long-distance boating.

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RECREATION AND ECOTOURISM

• Offers diverse recreational activities: kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, camping, water sports.
• Augusta River Region hosts international events (rowing, triathlons).
• Lower river region features serene canoeing routes through cypress swamps.
• Habitat for unique wildlife, including the Atlantic Shortnose Sturgeon and rare bird species.

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INDUSTRIAL USE

• Historical transportation corridor; now supports municipal and industrial needs.
• Supplies cooling water to Plant Vogtle nuclear reactors (43.2 million gallons/day).
• Key resource for Savannah River Site (nuclear material processing).
• Notable for toxic releases from industrial outfalls, ranking third in Georgia.

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CHALLENGES

• Environmental Pollution: The Savannah River is impaired by heavy metals, sediment, and low levels of dissolved oxygen.
• Industrial Expansion: Increased industrial activities contribute to pollution risks.
• Land Development: Urban growth exacerbates pollution and environmental strain.
• Freshwater Demand: Growing communities and depleted groundwater lead to increased demand for freshwater.
• Saltwater Intrusion: Coastal areas face challenges from saltwater contaminating local groundwater.
• Fragmented Oversight: Over 50 government and private entities share responsibility, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies.
• Coordination Challenges: Lack of general oversight and coordination among stakeholders hampers effective management.
• Inaccurate Assumptions: Misjudgments in managing water resources result in counter-productive actions.

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