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The Upper Savannah River Basin is a vital and dynamic watershed spanning across portions of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Originating in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Savannah River flows over 300 miles to the Atlantic Ocean, shaping the communities, habitats, and landscapes that it touches along the way.
The Upper Basin is defined by its rich ecological diversity and significant economic and recreational value. Its forests, wetlands, and waterways provide critical habitats for countless species of fish, wildlife, and plants, making it a cornerstone of the region’s natural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a primary source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use for surrounding communities. Throughout the Upper Savannah River Basin, efforts focus on safeguarding water quality, restoring degraded habitats, and preserving the area’s heritage for future generations. These priorities are especially important as the region faces pressures from urbanization, agricultural runoff, and climate variability. Through collaborative efforts — including academic research, conservation initiatives, and community engagement — stakeholders work to ensure that the Upper Savannah River Basin remains a resilient, thriving resource that can support both its human and ecological communities for generations to come. |
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Promoting Resilience in the Upper Savannah River Basin
Savannah Riverkeeper is partnering with local government agencies and floodplain management experts to create free tools and model floodway ordinances that streamline planning and establish a “no adverse impact” standard for new development.
Each year, flooding in the United States causes approximately $10 billion in damages, with the hardest impacts falling on the most vulnerable communities. By adopting proactive ordinances and robust regulatory measures, municipalities can reduce floodway risks, save on long‑term costs, and build resilience.
Feasible, cost‑effective solutions already exist that can help lower flood insurance rates and expand access to low‑interest funding for infrastructure improvements. We are eager to work alongside local leaders to implement these vital measures — providing safer, stronger communities for all.
Each year, flooding in the United States causes approximately $10 billion in damages, with the hardest impacts falling on the most vulnerable communities. By adopting proactive ordinances and robust regulatory measures, municipalities can reduce floodway risks, save on long‑term costs, and build resilience.
Feasible, cost‑effective solutions already exist that can help lower flood insurance rates and expand access to low‑interest funding for infrastructure improvements. We are eager to work alongside local leaders to implement these vital measures — providing safer, stronger communities for all.
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About the Council
The Anderson Water Council was established in 2014 utilizing funds from a settlement agreement following Kinder Morgan’s devastating pipeline spill in Anderson County. Its mission is to identify, prioritize, and fund projects that protect and restore water quality throughout the impacted areas of the Savannah River watershed. As a catalyst for recovery efforts, the Council serves as a vital link between available funding and long‑term improvements for the waterways and communities that depend upon them. Why This Matters The waters of Anderson County and the Upper Savannah River watershed support a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant life. They also sustain communities by providing clean drinking water, recreational opportunities, and a strong foundation for local economies. Investing in their protection and restoration is an investment in the quality of life and long‑term resilience for future generations. The Anderson Water Council operates within a trusted community foundation, ensuring accountability, transparency, and long‑term sustainability. All funds granted go directly to meaningful restoration efforts across the watershed. Meanwhile, the principal investments and endowments within the community foundation remain intact, generating interest that is then used to fund eligible projects and support the organizations applying for grants. This approach ensures that these funds will continue to grow and generate income over time, providing an everlasting and reliable source of support for the river and its communities. Importantly, many federal and large‑scale grants require matching funds, making them inaccessible for smaller organizations and local government entities. Anderson Water Council’s grants fill this critical gap, allowing these groups to leverage additional resources and pursue ambitious projects that would otherwise be out of reach. In this way, every dollar granted has the potential to multiply its impact, making a long‑term, transformational difference for the Upper Savannah River and its communities. |
How Funds Are Allocated
Each year, the Anderson Water Council evaluates and recommends projects for funding. Grants are awarded based on a competitive review process, using objective ranking criteria that emphasize proximity to the site of the 2014 spill, benefits to water quality, and the ability to enable local communities to collect and share water quality data publicly. The Council delivers its mission through a range of funding opportunities, including:
The Anderson Water Council plays a pivotal role in preserving the ecological and economic health of the Upper Savannah River watershed. By providing targeted grants and facilitating access to larger funding opportunities, the Council ensures that these vital waterways can continue to sustain future generations. Its work stands as an investment in the heritage, prosperity, and resilience of the entire watershed. For more information or to learn about grant opportunities, visit www.andersonwatercouncil.com |
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University Of Georgia Student Projects
Students from the University of Georgia have completed projects focused on the health and development of the Upper Savannah River Basin. A few of these projects are featured below: