Georgia News4-Water Fight

Metro Atlanta recently received clearance to use Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River to fulfill its water needs for 10-20 years. This Federal Appeals court decision is part of a battle between Alabama, Florida and Georgia that stems back to 1990, concerning which state gets to use the river, as each has economic interests vested in the waterways. The court ruling sends the case to Alabama, giving Georgia the possible chance to use "up to 50 percent more water out of the lake and river." The results of this victory are not immediate, however, as it could take at least two years before Metro Atlanta can use the awarded water supply. This case can affect interstate relations, as a ruling in favor of either state involved could worsen relations between the states. This case seems to have no clear ending in result, as least for the next couple of years.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0905/20water.html