The city has a long-standing partnership with both the Savannah and Ogeechee Riverkeepers. We share information and support each other because we have the common goal of protecting public health and safety through clean water. In 2019 the Savannah Riverkeeper and City of Augusta built a framework to collect water quality data from all entities that were testing in the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers e.g., Georgia DNR, SC DNR, Corp of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife. A website was dedicated to this framework and data collection began. The city was a partner in this initial phase along with Columbia County and provided labor and data. The framework and website www.KnowYourRiver.com is one of the most comprehensive databases for water quality yet, more work is needed to make the data user friendly for the average citizen who uses the rivers for recreation and sustenance. The City of Augusta sponsored the first phase for $75,000 and Staff is recommending the city sponsor this next phase for up to $75,000 for the next 2 years. These funds are eligible for reimbursement by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources once the work is complete.

Approval