Should Georgia store surface water in the state’s underground aquifers?

As Georgia’s stagnant water supply faces growing population demands and agricultural needs, state officials may clear the way for allowing the storage of surface water in natural aquifers underground.

The water-saving practice has gained traction nationally but long irked local residents especially on Georgia’s coast — where it was once banned.

But the state Environmental Protection Division has now published a draft report outlining its authority to allow and manage what’s known as “aquifer storage and recovery.”

To find out how it would work and why it’s been criticized by both environmentalists and conservative coastal lawmakers, click here to read our premium story only on myAJC.com.