Officials in fast-growing Forsyth County are taking initial steps toward building a reservoir that could draw from the Etowah River and be a major water source for the county.

The county has identified a potential reservoir site in northwest Forsyth and has made contact with the landowners, said Tim Perkins, the county's water and sewer director.

The reservoir would be about 180 acres and would be a major source of water for the county, behind the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier.

The Etowah River is "under less stress than the Chattahoochee," Perkins said.

Water could be pulled from the Etowah after rains, stored at the reservoir and then drawn out by the county as needed, Perkins said.

The Etowah River originates in the mountains of Lumpkin County, north of Dahlonega, and flows south and southwest into Lake Allatoona. Funding for the reservoir has not been determined. But Perkins said Monday the county will ask for some money from the state, which is promoting the development of community and regional reservoirs.

The county doesn't appear to qualify for a share of the $70 million that the Georgia General Assembly voted earlier this year to commit to reservoirs over the next two years, Perkins said. He said that money appears to be targeted for projects that have been permitted or are already in the pipeline.

Perkins will ask the County Commission today (Tuesday) for permission to apply for a $3.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.

He's not optimistic the request will be approved. But, he said, "We're hoping they might throw us a bone."