The City of Savannah received an award presented annually by the Georgia Water Coalition.  The Clean 13 Award highlights extraordinary efforts on the part of businesses, industries, local governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals to protect the water and natural resources of Georgia.

Between 1890’s and 1940’s the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) constructed cuts in the Savannah River to shorten the travel distance from Savannah to Augusta by over 26 miles.  These cuts isolated natural bends or oxbows and supporting wetlands.  In 1998 the USCOE examined 41 cuts to consider reconnecting them to the river.  Each was evaluated for impacts to navigation, water quality, wetlands, and recreation.  Of the 41 only 22 were recommended for further study.

Today the Savannah Riverkeeper is the non-federal sponsor with the USCOE to perform a feasibility study to demonstrate how the 22 isolated oxbows and wetlands could be reconnected to the Lower Savannah River.  The total cost of the study is $3M.  The City of Savannah supported the study with a $360,000 contribution.  Together with our utility partners, Augusta Utilities and Columbia County Water Utility, the required $1.5M non-federal match was met.  The City supports this effort due to the water quality benefits that could be realized with a longer channel and restoration of adjacent wetlands.

The Georgia Water Coalition is an alliance of more than 200 organizations committed to ensuring that water is managed fairly for all Georgians and protected for future generations.  The coalition was formed in 2002 to bring together concerned citizens and groups from around the state.  The Georgia Water Coalition produces a report every two years outlining its recommendations for water management in Georgia.

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