A legislative forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center (315 W. 2nd Street)   for the public to become better informed about some of the current and prospective legislation (federal and state) related to water issues.  Input from informed citizens can have major influence on decisions made by elected officials, often counter-balancing influence from vested interest who would benefit from some legislation.  

Members of the Georgia Water Coalition will make presentations and elected officials from across south Georgia have been invited to participate in a time of discussion.  Pre-registration (by emailing your intent to participate to watermatters.ga@gmail) will facilitate preparation for the evening, but you may register at the door.

The event is sponsored by WATER MATTERS, a grassroots organization of citizens in central South Georgia concerned about water issues in our State.  This group sponsored a well-attended Symposium in August 2011, which featured outstanding scientists and environmental activists giving information about water quantity and quality in Georgia.

The Georgia Water Coalition (www.georgiawater.org ) is a partnership of over 180 organizations, representing over a quarter million Georgians.  The mission of this group, created ten years ago, is to “protect and care for Georgia’s water resources, which are essential for sustaining Georgia’s prosperity, providing clean and abundant drinking water, preserving diverse aquatic habitats for wildlife and recreation, and strengthening property values.”  Efforts organized by the coalition have had major impact on recent decisions by our State related to water regulation and legislation.

“Some of the most important current environmental concerns relate to one of our most important resources for survival – water,” said event organizer Helen Rogers. “Water is important for agriculture, recreation and the economy, not to mention our health and very survival.

“For many reasons, knowledge about the availability and quality of our water resources is extremely important.  Many laws and regulations are being created to protect and provide water in a timely manner where needed in our state.  At the same time, several bills are being proposed to limit implementation of existing protections.  Concerned citizens need to be aware of decisions being considered related to this important resource.”