Georgia’s streams are in crisis. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 87.7% of Georgia’s assessed creeks, rivers, and streams are too polluted for swimming. This alarming figure far exceeds the national average, where 42.4% of assessed streams are deemed unsuitable for primary contact recreation.
Creeks, Rivers, and Streams
- Assessment Rate: Georgia has assessed 64.9% of its recreational-use creeks, rivers, and streams, compared to the national assessment rate of 37.3%.
- Pollution Rate: An astonishing 87.7% of these assessed waters were found to be too polluted for swimming.
| Location | Percentage of Assessed Waters Impaired (miles) | Percentage of Waters Assessed (miles) | Total Assessed Waters Impaired (miles) | Total Waters Assessed (miles) | Total Waters Not Assessed (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 87.7% | 64.9% | 137 | 156 | 84 |
| United States | 42.4% | 37.3% | 213,300 | 503,050 | 847,059 |
Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs, and Wetlands
- Assessment Rate: Georgia has evaluated 97.9% of its recreational-use lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands, compared to the national assessment rate of 77.4%.
- Pollution Rate: Of those assessed, 34.0% were found to be too polluted for swimming, significantly lower than the national average of 70.6%.
| Location | Percentage of Assessed Waters Impaired (acres) | Percentage of Waters Assessed (acres) | Total Assessed Waters Impaired (acres) | Total Waters Assessed (acres) | Total Waters Not Assessed (acres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 34.0% | 97.9% | 115,796 | 340,285 | 7,295 |
| United States | 70.6% | 77.4% | 26,851,017 | 38,018,047 | 11,097,128 |
Since its establishment in 1972, the Clean Water Act aimed to make all U.S. waters “fishable and swimmable.” Yet, the act has fallen short. The most recent data indicates that only 19 states assessed more than 50% of their lakes and rivers for primary water contact recreation. This lack of comprehensive assessment is a significant barrier to achieving the CWA’s goals.
Health Implications
The pollution in recreational waters is not just an environmental issue; it’s a public health crisis. Annually, the United States sees nearly 35,000 cases of waterborne illnesses linked to recreational water use. The high levels of pollutants from industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff pose severe risks to anyone engaging in water activities.
Georgia’s proactive approach in assessing its recreational waters is commendable, but the high levels of pollution, especially in streams, show the need for urgent action. The data reflects a broader national failure to ensure safe recreational waters.
For detailed data on recreational-use water impairments across all 50 U.S. states, refer to the Captain Experiences analysis of EPA’s Clean Water Act data.
