The designation as a “Task Force” implies that specific goals will be identified for this group with a time frame for completion. Following are preliminary ideas of the goals/objectives for the Task Force. Since this Task Force is designed to increase communication in the college and present a more consolidated view of activities within the college, some goals are short-term and others are long (or continuous). The effectiveness of the Task Force approach is in gaining input from membership while not creating a burden on already “over-extended” personnel. Goals/objectives are to:

• Create a better understanding of current water related programs within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (this white paper)
• Provide input to the Dean of the CAES on areas where personnel activities on water-related programs and needs are not directly compatible
• Provide input to the Dean on future funding initiatives and directions which are not appropriate for existing competitive grant programs
• Provide a forum for communication and catalyst for interaction within the college for increased opportunity for multi-disciplinary and multi-organization project alternatives
• Reduce the potential for duplication of efforts within the college in water-related activities

Future Water Issues and the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

This “white paper” is designed to present the current water programs in the college. However, several issues were brought forward which should be discussed, where the college does NOT currently have extensive effort, but probably should!

Any successful water management strategy must be three-pronged: 1) scrupulously conserve water, 2) carefully protect existing water resources, and 3) energetically search for new water resource alternatives. The CAES has several effective efforts to address water conservation, and is making rapid strides to protect the quality of water for all uses. However, efforts to identify new water supplies and develop alternative water resources are grossly lacking. Water supplies in Georgia, both surface and ground water, are derived from capture of rainfall and slowing its progress to the sea and atmosphere. Rainfall is primarily partitioned into direct (rapid) runoff; infiltration for plant uptake, ground water recharge, and interflow (base flow for streams); and evaporation. Forests and agricultural lands that traditionally cover most of the landscape, effectively intercept rainfall and direct most of this water toward base flow and ground water recharge. However shifts in land use can cover much of the area with hard surfaces. Hard surfaces dramatically shift the partitioning toward rapid runoff (and enhanced flooding), rather than stream base flow and recharge. Hard surfaces not only include paved and roof surfaces, but they can also include compacted areas in agricultural and forest land.

The CAES can lead the way in defining and quantifying the type and amount of water resources needed to supply a given population with its drinking, process, and irrigation water while maintaining adequate water for environmental and ecological needs. Only when the value of water capture lands are defined in these terms can land management policies be justified that protect forest and agriculture land from urban sprawl and soil mismanagement. Slowing the relentless movement of water to the sea has been partially accomplished by development of reservoir and pond storage. While larger reservoirs have been extensively studied for their multiple roles, including storage of water for later use, farm and other smaller ponds have not. Little is known about the impact of their location and management on base flow. How ponds can supply water for other needs, particularly irrigation, and comparing that “value” to the ecological impact on river flow needs specific investigation. How pond construction enhances wetland development versus the common idea that their construction destroys wetlands also needs to be assessed. Riparian wetlands along Georgia's streams and rivers serve as some of the most important buffers for excess water storage, particularly during flood periods, and for maintaining base flow during dry periods. Yet, little is known about their interactions with ground water aquifers. No direct method has been developed for assigning an economic value of these areas in terms of flood protection, maintenance of base flow in rivers, and storing water. While wetlands have received special protection as habitats for plant and wildlife species, further protection will require assessment of their related roles in water resources management.

Water resources security involves the development of strategies and approaches to ensure a safe and high quality water supply both now and into the future. The event s of September 11, 2001 indicate how vulnerable we are to security and safety constraints. Since water is a an essential component of life and quality of life, how we ensure the safety of our resources needs additional consideration.