Georgia Water/Laws/Water Quality Control Act

Georgia Water Quality Control Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-20

General Description
The Georgia Water Quality Control Act declares that the water resources of the state shall be utilized prudently for the maximum benefit of the people. The Act directs that the government of the state shall assume responsibility for the quality and quantity of such water resources and the establishment and maintenance of a water quality and water quantity control program. The Act also establishes procedures governing discharge from marine toilets.

Applicability
“Waters of the State” are considered to be any and all rivers, streams, creeks, branches, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, drainage systems, springs, wells, and all other bodies of surface or subsurface water, natural or artificial, lying within or forming a part of the boundaries of the state which are not entirely confined and retained completely upon the property of a single individual, partnership, or corporation.