Chatter

By D-rock

October 31, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

Would probably work as good as suing over water release from Lanier.

By Alan

October 31, 2007 6:55 AM | Link to this

The commissioners in Monroe and Bibb counties have been fighting over an apparent error in the county line placement for several years now. Court fights haven’t worked there, and I have my doubts a lawsuit would work here.

By gttim

October 31, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

Sonny could puff out his chest, act like he is tough and pretend he is doing something about this water shortage, so sure, why not. It would be like Bush serving a plastic turkey to soldiers in Iraq- lots of show but nothing really happening.

By fatz

October 31, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this

perhaps in the name of good reporting, you might mention whether winning a suit would actually allow for a practical solution. could Tennessee river work its way down to our reservoirs? or do we need to build a canal or pipeline to access it. no sense salivating over access if there’s no way to get it here…?

By scott

October 31, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

lmao what to do people are really getting desparate to think tennessee would give up part of thier rever what a joke blog this is

By scott

October 31, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

lmao what to do? people are really getting desparate to think tennessee would give up part of thier rever what a joke blog this is

By scott

October 31, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

lmao what to do? people are really getting desparate to think tennessee would give up part of thier rever what a joke blog this is

By scott

October 31, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

lmao what to do? people are really getting desparate to think tennessee would give up part of thier river what a joke blog this is

By scott

October 31, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

lmao what to do? people are really getting desparate to think tennessee would give up part of thier river what a joke blog this is

By gosh

October 31, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Scott stop hitting the post button.

By Ken

October 31, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

If this is going to become a big deal, it eventually will be settled by the Supreme Court.

By andy

October 31, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Scott did you mean their river?

By John

October 31, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

If Georgia were to win a law suit to getthe water that Tenessee say is theirs. Once Georgia gets it Alabama will file suit to get Georgia to send that water to them. Alabama does not want Atlanta to have any water. They want it all.

By Why Not

October 31, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Sure - why not - and I think I’ll sue Mother Nature for not bringing us more rain. Idiots

By Tennessee Girl

October 31, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Then we’d have 2 states w/o water instead of 1? I’d worry it would cause a domino effect.

By GeezGuys

October 31, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Of course! Let’s sue, instead of planning growth or managing our current resources. It’s the American way of greed and excessive consumption.

By Michael

October 31, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Great! Win that and the great planners will continue to build until they suck the river dry. Plan better!

By Lebensraum

October 31, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Let’s just send the 48th north and take it! I know we could whip Tennessee…;)

By Matthew Sanders

October 31, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Hell yes we should. I remember learning this back in high school. Chattanooga is also supposed to be in GA

By GRJones

October 31, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Water, water everywhere … How about some serious discussion of desalination before we make all the lawyers rich. Long-term Solutions: Desalination plant and three pipelines to the coast for water, oil and natural gas. Where are all the brilliant engineers when we need them?

By WAR EAGLE

October 31, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Sonny should declare was on Alabama and FLA and send the UGA Dogs footballteam to play both-winner gets water. Oh wait-we already did that and we WON. Take a hike FLA and Bama-go find your own water you morons!

By Dawg Raised in Auburn

October 31, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Football team?

Dude. They may have beat the Tide, but Georgia can never beat Fla, Ala, and Auburn in the same year. Don’t gamble our water on the Dawgs beating Auburn in Athens!

By bustervols

October 31, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Yeah, come and get your whippin’.

By NW Ga Dawg

October 31, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

We already look foolish enough for having practically unchecked expansion and development in this state without providing fodder such as this (story) to other neighboring states. While the history herein is accurate—and informative for those who didn’t previously know, I hope this story was written at least partially tongue-in-cheek…

By WAR EAGLE

October 31, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Sorry Auburn, only one team per fight and gov Riley picked U of Bear Bryant. I know you have the better team, but just like Gov. Crist in FLA-you have to pick ONE Army/team. GA SECEDES!

By tim

October 31, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

The ajc is only interested in riling up people instead of providing intelligent coverage on this issue. How much coverage has been related to alternative solutions? GRJones, I think you are on the right track.

I think there are plenty of brilliant engineers around, we just need the politicians to get moving. If the ajc cared, it would publish a story about how long it would take to build a desalination plant and pipelines, and how much it would cost.

The proposed water pipeline to Las Vegas from Northern Nevada is supposed to cost about $3.5 Billion, which would be $2 per household per month for Las Vegas residents. This pipeline would reach about 250 miles, which is about the distance from Atlanta to Savannah. The desalination plant in Tampa cost about $150 million.

By swolf4810

October 31, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

How about if we tried “asking nice” for a change first.

By jack

October 31, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

thats what you get when you send a UGA person to try and do math.

By foxdog

October 31, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Yes, follow the law as written. Sue them, SUE EVERYBODY!!!!

By Rick

October 31, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Want water? Start treating TN and Chattanooga like a partner and not a competitor. High speed rail, joint highway initiatives, etc. GA vetos when they go north vs south. Basic routes and designs for the pipelines were drawn up 5-7 years ago, now collecting dust.

By who cares

October 31, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

If the alumni at every football college donated half of what they give to the football coaches retirement, they could fund a large portion of the desalination plants. heck-The Israeli’s have been doing that for nearly 60 years! maybe we need to hire Israeli techs to come in and build it for us-we’d save on union labor and their slow downs/BS that they cause-yeah right Gene O’Kelly-partnership. then, instead of putting more condos on the ocean front-we build refineries and drill for oil so we can get gas for under $2 again. this has got to be kililng the Trucking industry-everything has to come in by truck-no RR’s by Wal Mart or Publix/Kroger. oil is a commodity-we need to drive the price down to $20 or less per barrel again.

By Will

October 31, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I say sue! I’m a strict Constructionist when it comes to matters of the law and if we were initially owners of this land, then we need to fight for what’s rightfully ours. Take Tennessee to court!

I will say, however, that this action in no way vindicates our legislators from the chronic abdicatation of their responsibilities regarding our water problems. We knew this was coming years ago and someone should’ve stepped to the plate and lead us out of this mess, instead of simply passing the buck to remain elected.

By Judy

October 31, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

“Should we sue?”

Well, that’s not THE most ridiculous thing I’ve read in this publication, but it ranks right up there.

By SteveO

October 31, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Why am I not surprised that our politicans have once again chosen to huff and puff over tiny stopgap measures without coming up with a long term solution?

Why am I not again surprised to see that Sonny has refused to accept any responsibility? Sonny Perdue really is South Georgia’s revenge on Atlanta.

By JC

October 31, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

The Tennessee River goes through Alabama. Why don’t we settle the disputes by offering to trade a joint project to pipe water from the Tennessee River in north Alabama to supply a reservoir that would supply the Atlanta area in exchange for suppling south Alabama it’s desired out put from the Chattahoochee?

The Tennessee river has a virtually limitless supply so there’s really no worries on it not having enough to supply such a pipeline.

This way we could keep the agreement between Alabama and Georgia, two of the state that are already wrapped up in a dispute over the Chattahoochee. Both states are motivated to work out a mutual resolution. No need to bring another state into the dispute, it’s already complicated enough.

By PR

October 31, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Why not. Sonny has blown up his chest and stomped his feet like a spoiled kid, when all along the state has been blind to this problem for months. A lawsuit will waste some more taxpayers money, rather than trying to solve the problem. Typical smoke and mirrors.

By JL

October 31, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

This river flows to Alabama too. they will not allow water to be taken from this river for Atlanta either. Alabama will sue. Alabama’s logan. “Give us all of the water”

By Atco

October 31, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

This river is so poluted, why would we want draw water from that cesspool?

By OMG Americans..

October 31, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Can we BLAME anyone ELSE for our own failures??

Come ON, quit being typical AMERICANS and lets grow some balls and blame OURSELVES, and fix the problem OURSELVES.

Lazy, LAZY, LAZY!

By Saundra

October 31, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Phunnie: All the Georgians accusing Alabama of “wanting all the water so (greater) Atlanta can’t have any.” Gee - go down river and all THEY say is: “(Greater) Atlanta wants all the water for themselves so no one else can have any.”

Find the petulant spoiled brat in this photo line-up.

Perdue lives down to his nickname: Per-do-nothing.

When was the last time giving lawyers a huge case and scads of taxpayer dollars a brilliant idea?

How about a tax-free weekend for water conserving plumbing devices?

How about forcing the realtors to pony up the funds that they made by shooting down the retro-fit law, which would have saved millions of gallons of water by now?

How about the State giving grants to outlying counties to take sprawling subdivisions off septic and onto sewer systems?

By john

October 31, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

I think it is a reasonable mistake,(unless intentionally done to benifit another state over us) but this is a good time to find this out. Alabama has nothing to say about this now!!!

By Kevin

October 31, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Atco, please back up your stupdid statement about pollution with facts. As someone who was raised on the TN river, I can assure you it’s not polluted.

By Todd

October 31, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Taking another state to court over the issue is feasible.

New Jersey successfully sued New York in the 1990’s over control of Ellis Island. New York traditionally controlled the island but when New Jersey realized that it was actually theirs, they sued them.

In 1998, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey. So Georgia could take either Alabama or Tennessee to court if the modern day boundaries as prescribed by Congress are not recognized. Once a state is admitted (which Georgia was first among the three) no part of that state may ever be ceded to another state without that state’s specific consent:

“New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.”

By SCY

October 31, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

A lawsuit after over 200 years, oh come on!

By Chris

October 31, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

It couldn’t possibly be our poorly managed growth that has made a natural drought (La Nina year = dry fall/winter in southeast United States. Look it up) affect our water supply much more than it should be.

Nope, it’s the guy that was working with crummy equipment 180 years ago and got the state line wrong by a mile.

Totally his fault. Oh, and the mussels. Can’t forget those water-hogging mussels.

This isn’t something that can be fixed with lawsuits or trying to pin blame on some unfortunate sap who screwed up almost 200 years ago.

By S

October 31, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Wow! It certainly would be an interesting lawsuit, but it seems to me it would only stir up more strife with another of our neighbors. That would be like the South imploding on itself, wouldn’t it. Can’t we find some real solutions?

By Anything But Hillary .....

October 31, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s simply invade. By the time the people in Tennessee turn their attention from making fireworks and Appalachian crafts, the spoils will be ours. Then again, do we really want to drink / bathe in water that is downstream from Knoxville?

By Yo Yo

October 31, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I am waiting to see how long before someone blames this on Global Warming, George Bush or Iraq.

By shadow

October 31, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

When James Olgelthorpe founded the colony of Georgia he claimed the land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi river. Somewhere in the grand scheme of colonizing the new world Georgia got split up into Alabama, Mississippi and probably part of Tennessee.

Therefore, All we need to do is reclaim the original Georgia. In doing so we would get both the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. And eliminate Alabama from the Georgia, Alabama, Florida water war.

Of course this solution would cause a big problem for SEC football.

By Burdell

October 31, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Sue Hell. We need to just go up there and move that rock a little north were it should be. I’ll bring the Top Con Total Station, anybody got a good sized pump and some old fire hose?

By Mary

October 31, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Get over it boys! Whats’ done is done (200 years ago no less). try conserving a little h20 and trying to accept that Georgia (Atlanta) is not the Chosen One after all.

By SKC

October 31, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Funny that the government was making errors by not checking the work all the way back then. Things have not changed have they?

If the water is our then we should have the right to it. Fix the error and dig the cannal.

By Robert

October 31, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Only if Mark Richt gives the entire state of GA permission to run into TN to celebrate after the verdict is handed down.

By erc

October 31, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Absolutely! I think we (you) should not only sue about THAT corner, but ALL corners of EVERY state. Just think, a total re-mapping of all 50 states! There’s no telling what kind of crap we could stir up with that!

By AM

October 31, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

By the time they squabble over lies the people will be the loser. Talk is alway cheap. Cut down on the growth and use common sense when planning our future. Our great leadership needs to take action. It amazes me that there are so many rich and educated people in this town but they either have no common sense or they just don’t care about other human beings. We went through the same problem 5 years ago. What was done then? Nothing - greed as usual.

By JC

October 31, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I say we take it by force. We lost the Walton War, time to even up our record.

By JC

October 31, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I say we take it by force. We lost the Walton War, time to even up our record.

By gone

October 31, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Good thing this online AJC is free, because I wouldn’t pay a cent for this p**-poor reporting. I think I will find someplace else to waste my time.

By AcworthDawgFan

October 31, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

If it was us they would sue…as demonstrated by our current situation. I say let’s go for it!!!

Jonathan

By Todd

October 31, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I keep hearing this illusion that a lawsuit after so many years is impractical. I cited the very case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the boundaries of two states as recently as 1998, New York v. New Jersey. The ruling can be found here: http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/120ORIG.ZC.html .

So let’s stop the arguing over whether it can be done. The New Jersey case stems from the 1800’s as well, and New Jersey won the right to claim Ellis Island.

If the present borders are wrong, they need to be corrected.

By Matt

October 31, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Build your pipelines! All we have to do is release less water from our dams north of Chattanooga just like you are doing to yourselves in Lenier to save the endangered muscle.

By a_tennessean

October 31, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Build a time machine go back, give the guy some good equipment get the border right…

By Polo

October 31, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Okay, so we sue the state of TN?

Then what?

I’d rather focus on important issues like Ralph Lauren’s Spring collection, and the fact that i can’t find the new Polo mini peacoat for my dog.

Or, maybe, focus on GA’s low test scores, communities without sidewalks, outlandious gas prices and the fact that Big Mac’s aren’t 99 cents…now THESE are important issues.

By gary

October 31, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

It really wouldn’t matter where the state line is, and that is interesting that the line is off on the Alabama border because I had always heard about the North Carolina border being off, which puts the state line in the middle of the Tennessee River @ Chattanooga. Anyway, the state line doesn’t matter, our water in north georgia above Dalton flows north anyway so our water supply does come from the Tennessee River. However, somewhere around Dalton the watershed flows south. It’s not Atlanta’s water no matter where the line is. North Georgia (Catoosa, Walker Dade and parts of Whitfield)is also included in the Moccasin Bend Water Treatment plant service area because of this. Makes a good story though and makes us look at the history of the area. By the way, we don’t want Chattanooga in Georgia.

By Gary

October 31, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

This article was posted to mainly cause controversy because that’s what journalists and newspapers thrive on. Even if there were to be an actual “suit” over the borders, the courst case and proceedings would not start until at least a year from now in court. Then, that would take months to hammer out and debate and argue over in court. Then….if Georgia won the dispute….we’d be looking at another year before they would possibly get anything built or in place to route any of that water to any of our reservoirs etc… If this drought continues, the lakes will long be dried up by that time and we won’t be any better off than we are now. Shame on you for even posting this total waste of time of a story. Trying to stir up bad feelings when things are already bad enough with the general population of the state worrying about their drinking water!

By dean

October 31, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I hate to ruin your day, but TVA controls the water on the Tenn. River, as well as all its tributaries, and TVA is a Federal agency — not part of the Tenn state government. It doesn’t matter where the survey marker is. TVA ain’t gonna play ball with Atlanta.

By Gary

October 31, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Its funny how many people in here like to blame Sonny for this. Sonny is actually trying to do something about the problem that got us into this mess and thats resolve the three state war. He could probably give a little more than he has, but he’s trying to take care of his state. Who can blame him. Also, its not like he has been governor for the last two and half decades either. Busbee, Harris, Miller, and Barnes had a stake into this as well and saw this problem coming too. Anyway growth is a problem, but unfortunately you cannot slow down growth, the courts won’t allow it. They will side with the developer every time. However smart growth planning can help. Impact fees for developers and business so that we can upgrade our infrastructure. Local governments can instruct what type of houses can be built in the community and the type of water-saving fixtures that should be mandatory - you don’t need a state law for this, local commissions can handle it. As for future water use, the states of GA and Alabama need to get together like JC mentioned earlier and hash out a plan that would allow GA to pipe water from the TN River in Northern AL to a Reservoir to be built in NW GA. If AL wants to play mean and not help, then GA needs to try and partner up with TN for help. Then allow only that water to come into GA for our use only. Back when Lanier was planned, we had leadership from Sens. Russell and George, Mayor Hartsfield, and Governor Talmadge that saw a need for water and electricity for future growth. They also hoped that by the time the project was 50 yrs old, some more leaders would come along and plan for the next generation. Unfortunately since we lost those great statesmen, not many have arrived in our great state. Its time we start planning for the next 50 years.

By David

October 31, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

It’s because Sonny walked us face first into this by not curbing development or conservation. Yes, it is Sonny’s fault. He’s the one in charge.

By David

October 31, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

It’s because Sonny walked us face first into this by not curbing development or encouraging conservation. Yes, it is Sonny’s fault. He’s the one in charge.

By Allen

October 31, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Dean, if he’s right, hit the nail on the head. The Tennessee, like the Chattahoochee, is federally controlled—TVA for the former, USACE for the latter.
So suing TN would be kind of pointless. Now, making an appeal to the feds …

By Guido

October 31, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Gary..It’s idiots like you why we’re in this mess. Sonny(On the Take) Purdue is directly to blame for this water crisis. He and his developer cronies have been over building w/ no infrastructure improvements at all. He wants to sell Jekyll Island for Christ’s sake!! You people just blindly pull that repug lever ever election like sheep w/ no thought what so ever as to the long term consequences.

By fatz

October 31, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

i’m having a hard time believing the river actually belongs to anybody. just like we seem to not “own” lake lanier. the corps says we have 290 days of water if they get creative in pumping it out. but aren’t these guys the same ones who said New Orleans levees would hold?

By Ted

October 31, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

If the ‘boarder’ was placed one mile south of where it should have been in the early 1800s, it shouldn’t make any difference, as he or she would be dead by now.

By Sparta Man

October 31, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

I looked at the location on Mapquest and this is all we have to do. Buy an acre of land from Tennessee at the tip of Nickajack Resevoir. After we get good clear title, just dig a big ditch from that acre of land across to the ‘hooch and hook it up and we’ll be wet and fat city again. Maybe better get two acres while we’re at it, cause they could dam off one acre, but not two.

By Sparta Man

October 31, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

I looked at the location on Mapquest and this is all we have to do. Buy an acre of land from Tennessee at the tip of Nickajack Resevoir. After we get good clear title, just dig a big ditch from that acre of land across to the ‘hooch and hook it up and we’ll be wet and fat city again. Maybe better get two acres while we’re at it, cause they could dam off one acre, but not two.

I don’t know why somebody hadn’t already thunk of that!!!!

By Matt Futral

October 31, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Look out, Savannah! Chattanooga is now the 3rd biggest city in Georgia.

By Ken Roberts

October 31, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Lets be real here folks, the drought was a problem of our own creation. The people in Georgia have been ignoring problems such as these for a long time, rather than taking action to limit the risk. Lets stop blaming other states or endangered species for our drought, and instead ask ourselves why this problem wasn’t predicted and a solution found in advance.

By SCY

October 31, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

These Fascists keep talking about uncontrolled growth…what nonsense…Is it uncontrolled growth that’s leading the Corps of Engineers to release billions of gallons of water downstream every single day, well beyond what would be the natural flow and how exactly would our state’s Fascists have us control growth. Since when is it a legitimate role of government to dictate where people should move, how many children they should have and how large of a home they should have…if this is the type of government our environmental friends want why not move to Russia, “where despotism can be taken pure, without the base alloy of hypocrisy.” –A Lincoln

Lets assume for the sake of assumption that uncontrolled growth was the principle cause of the increased strain on our state’s natural resources, (naturally ignoring the worse drought in a century as a cause), then what is the solution, because we have grown we should be condemned to go without water because of past mistakes…is that the generous solution proposed by our Fascist friends? Death?

By Capt

October 31, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Hey here is a novel idea. Why don’t we act like civilized Americans and work with each other to solve the problem rather that turn to the courts to solve it for us. Way to go AJC once again you lead the way to proposing absloutly the most complicated solution to a problem that could be solved by reasonable people sitting down and discussing the probem and comming up with a solution. JEEEEEEZ

By Bob

October 31, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

We don’t need to sue. Just move the “Welcome to Georgia” sign on I-75 a mile north and have Sonny plant the state flag in the expressway median. Maybe we can get the Tennessee Aquarium (or at least Lookout Mountain) while we’re at it!

By Carismar

October 31, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Sue the b*******, and then negotiate a compromise settlement involving Tennessee River water rights.

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

PLEASE, NO LAWSUITS BY THE STATE OF GEORGIA!

There is a reason we are liked,admired and respected not just in The United States but in the world community.

Georgia is an educated,well mannered,economically driven state that takes pride in knowing the world feels welcome in GEORGIA!

Where everyone is welcome to sit at a table full of strangers and enjoy each others company!

INSTEAD OF RUINING THAT REPUTATION, let’s let the good people of Tennessee come to our aid in a time of need JUST LIKE THEY KNOW WE WOULD FOR THEM.

Just like the people of Georgia have always done for each other. When one family had no food, we did not wait for the govt to help, the neighbors fed the family. If a farmer was hurt, anyone able would come help him bring in his crop before it ruined.

I don’t know about you, but I am proud to say I am a GEORGIAN,let’s change the way the world looks at us.

I am positive the Governor of Tenn is on the phone with Sonny right now, working out a way to temporarily divert some of their water to Georgia if it is at all possible.

What do you think, let’s leave the trial lawyers out of this and show rthe world how good people help each other without be forced to by the courts!

By jon

October 31, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

—I am positive the Governor of Tenn is on the phone with Sonny right now, working out a way to temporarily divert some of their water to Georgia if it is at all possible.—

Yeah, maybe a bucket brigade from Chattanooga to Cumming. Do you count yourself as one of those well-educated Georgians you speak of?

By B

October 31, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Good luck suing, the author should have noted that they have to sue TVA, not TN, because TVA is in charge of the TN river system.

By Will

October 31, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Shadow’s very funny comment bears repeating:

“When James Olgelthorpe founded the colony of Georgia he claimed the land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi river. Somewhere in the grand scheme of colonizing the new world Georgia got split up into Alabama, Mississippi and probably part of Tennessee.

Therefore, All we need to do is reclaim the original Georgia. In doing so we would get both the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. And eliminate Alabama from the Georgia, Alabama, Florida water war.

Of course this solution would cause a big problem for SEC football.”

By Regina

October 31, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

I was born and grew up in Northeast Alabama. Most of my family members worked for TVA. I can’t believe that Georgia would even think about suing or that anyone would bring this up without negotiation. I live in Cobb County now and I see people being very wasteful with water. Control the growth, building permits, etc.

By Reggie

October 31, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

“Camak taught mathematics at the University of Georgia in Athens” If this guy had been a Tech professor he wouldnt have screwed it up.

By SERIOUS

October 31, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

JACK, TIM, WAR EAGLE, IS THIS ABOUT OUR WATER ISSUE, OR A GAME?????

By Sparta Man

October 31, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t see why these Repug governors in Georgia, Alabama and Florida can’t get together and resolve these problems. We had plenty of water until the Repugs took over. Maybe the good Lord is sending a message.

By LJ

October 31, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I think we’d better dust off our divining rods. We’ve got just as good a chance of getting water that way as we are from either Tennessee or any of these pie hole politicians.

By Sambo McPoot

October 31, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Do dis mean I cans fish in dat river with a ga fishin licence

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Yea JON I do count myself as educated, you are obviously here to criticize and not offer any help by the fact that you did not mention I said IF AT ALL POSSIBLE in my statement.

You have shown your own lack of intelligence by assumimng we do not know the river is not currently connected to any waterways in GA, there are ways to do it, ever heard of a pipeline.

You have also shown worthlessness to everyone so please go away,the good people of Georgia do not need people like you who just want to complain because it makes their own miserable existance seem not quite as bad.

Come back when you have somethign constructive to offer!

By Sparta Bubba

October 31, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Here’s another novel idea that I can’t figure out why nobody thunk of it. Run a big PVC pipe down to Savannah and pump all the water you want back to Atlanta and Alerbammer can’t complain. Issue everyone “mouth salt filters” and just use that water. Matter of fact, I’m going to patent the “mouth salt filters” and clean up.

By jack

October 31, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Why not conserve what we have instead of whining when Nature finally gives out? Landscapers are still putting in water sucking lawns and plants, people still flush 3 gallons when they pee, and the govenrment refuses to regulate water usage. High end users should pay more, residential and commercial. Breaks for those that install watre saving devices such as toilets and shower heads. Wake up, folks. It’s only gonna get worse. Taking from our neighbors isn’t neighborly or smart.

By Tamika

October 31, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Its all George Bush’s Fault

By Tamika

October 31, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Georgia Should succeed from the Union and Kick the damn Army Corp out of Lake Lanis and then we should launch a full scale invasion of Canada and steal all their water

Invade Canada and Take there WATER

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Jack, I agree we should learn to conserve better. But,while making people who use more pay a higher rate will increase revenues it will not fill the resevoir with more water. Throwing more money at it like liberal democrats in Washington want to do on every issue is not the answer!

By pump storage

October 31, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

we need more pump storage lakes. Save water when we do have a lot of rain. Then turn salt water from the sea in to drinking water. Have a water pipe line to city that need it. The Game has changed time to make a move Georgia! Water and power make this state grow!

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Brilliant Tamika, just Tamika. Do you have your Hallowen S** costume on yet?

By GaLiberal

October 31, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Absolutely asinine idea. Because of state elected leaders not wanting to “waste” taxpayer money Georgia succeeded that land to TN. Just like someone that fails to enforce the property boundaries, they lose rights to the property (at least the part they didn’t enforce). Court challenges over something over 100 years old would be simply laughable and an indication the level of desperation and chutzpa.

Also, there is another law that gives authority over the TN river to the TVA. Even if GA was successful in reclaiming the area, use of the water would be controlled by the TVA.

This is what happens when state “leaders” are more interested in keeping taxes low. The Rethuglicon controlled legislature and the Laughing Fat Man only have one thing on their peanut-sized brains. So necessary maintenance and improvements are ignored. Hence our current water supply problems. Not to mention roads, bridges, and education just to name three.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the GA-TN line is living proof.

By jack

October 31, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

When I say make high end users pay more, it’s not to get more money. Progressive fees reduce water usage. You see it transit plans as well (tolls on busy roads to get people to carpool or use transit). Businesses and people need an incentive to change. It’s not a liberal idea. You will see increased revenues in the short term, but usage will decrease as folks start making changes to lower their water bill.

By jack

October 31, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

When I say make high end users pay more, it’s not to get more money. Progressive fees reduce water usage. You see it transit plans as well (tolls on busy roads to get people to carpool or use transit). Businesses and people need an incentive to change. It’s not a liberal idea. You will see increased revenues in the short term, but usage will decrease as folks start making changes to lower their water bill. This has also been proven in numerous publci health studeis to work in lowering smoking rates (increase pack of cigarettes, people smoke less).

By chris

October 31, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

The entire Atlanta area needs to wake up and realize the waters of these rivers do not belong to them only. This crisis is the result of a 100 year drought, lack of planning for new reservoir systems and greed from local governments and developers. So quit expecting other communities and states to go without to compensate for lack of planning. As long as the people in this area keep electing the morons to the local governments that cannot think long term planning we will all continue to suffer.

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

You may be right but the fact that higher gas prices have not caused people to drive less shows me that rasing the price of water is not going to cause people to shower less or flush less often.

Here’san idea, how much water would we save if bottled water went away??

People have managed to live on this earth for thousands years without bottle water.

I think the companys that are getting people to pay $1 or more for a bottle of water are laughing all the way to the bank!

By Mims

October 31, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

The Tennesse River or Nickajack Lake is probably less than one mile from the Tennessee-Georgia border. Why can’t we just pipe into it and run a pipeline down to Atlanta?

By a_tennessean

October 31, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Anyone care to explain how the Tennessee River offers a “near limitless” supply of water? I know it’s larger than the Chattahooche..

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

to GayLiberal, explain to me how necessary maintenance and improvements will make more water fall out of the sky and fill the lakes???

You are another brainwashed citizen that the democrats have convinced the way to fix all the problems of the world is to elect democrats and let them raise our taxes because more money will fix everything!

In case you have not heard, PRESIDENT BUSH’s tax cuts have INCREASED REVENUES for the federal govt.

That means they are taking in more money than when taxes were higher.

By BUSHWACKER

October 31, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

no body I know who smokes has cut back, they simply spend more on cigarettes. In theory it sounds great, but you cannot legislate bad behavior.

By jack

October 31, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

People see gas prices as temporary spikes that will come down (who can argue? they always have to a certain extent). Besides, if you live 30 miles from work or 5 miles from the grocery store and have no other transit options, it can be hard to drive less. However, people are already starting to make choices based on gas prices. SUV sales are going down while smaller, more gas efficient sales are up. People are giving up the long commutes and moving closer to their jobs when possible. However, I’ve seen estimates that it will take close to $4/gallon to see significant changes in everyday driving patterns. Also, good news on the enrgy front is the median size of homes being built has gone down for the first time in years.

By jmarshall

October 31, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Increasing cigarette prices has been proven to cut smoking rates. It’s not a theory. I can cite several studies that say so. I used to be a smoker and I can tell you I smoked less as prices went up. I finally quit for health reasons, but the sticker shock helped me get there.

By NickaJack

October 31, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

The Tennessee River doesn’t have a “nearly infinite” supply of water. It just seems that way compared to the puny little Chattahoochee.

Building desalinization plants and paying to pump the water uphill 1000 feet and a couple of hundred miles to Atlanta would be cheaper than tapping the Tennessee, pumping the water uphill 500 feet and over a hundred miles to Atlanta, and paying the lawyers for the ensuing, never-ending legal battle.

Georgia is going to have to go to desalinization eventually for the farmers down south. Somebody up here might as well make money by doing it sooner rather than later.

Besides, moving water from one watershed to another almost always has disastrous consequences for the losing watershed. Yes, New York City and Los Angeles got away with it 100 years ago… but ever since then the folks down the dry streams from their dedicated reservoirs have suffered the consequences. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is bad for Peter and bad policy.

There’s no way today to rob a navigable river like the Tennessee and get away with it.

Tennesseans already think Atlanta is an out of control cancer trying to destroy the entire South, booterism run amuck with no regard for physical reality. Let’s not push them into embracing eco-terrorism that targets our drinking water.

By Michael

October 31, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

80 days of water left. Then what?

By Gary

October 31, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Georgia could help fund a canal in Alabama to pull water from the Tennessee to the Coosa and Chattahoochee river basins. Georgia then could keep more water in Lakes Alatoona and Lanier. Problem solved for both states. And, a canal in Alabama may be less expensive to build.

By Dana

November 3, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

I live in Dade County Georgia and so far we have had no water problems. Our water comes from Lookout Creek which flows into the Tennessee River so Dade County can legally tap into the Tennessee river. As regards to it being an “infinite supply” I don’t know about that but certainly being the 4th or 5th largest river (I’ve read both)in the United States by volume, it almost seems that way. The TVA has so many resevoirs and lakes that even during this exceptional drought the actual depth has been maintained (an average of 9-12 feet deep) without any problems.

If you would like to compare the size of the Tennessee to the Chattahoochie, consider this. The average discharge in Chattanooga is 36,000-41,000 feet per second while the mean annual discharge at the outlet of the Tennessee River near Paducah, Kentucky, is 65,600 cubic feet per second (ft³/s)

On the other hand the Chattahoochie is only 8,000 to 11,500 cubic feet per second (ft3/s). It may be much less depending on how much rain they get.

That being said, I personally oppose wholesale water transfers to Atlanta. The idea of maybe allowing a limited amount to help bring some of their drinking water resevoirs back to a safe level should be considered but the fact of the matter is Atlanta was built on the wrong place geographically for such a huge population base.

By Chris Chandler

November 5, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Georgia should go ahead & spend millions of dollars suing Tennessee for a clearly lost cause instead of focasing on the more important issues of land use & over population in areas that are unable to sustain growth. It makes about as much since as everything else they do!