Nominations Open for Georgia Regional Water Planning Councils
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is partnering with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to help reestablish the state’s Regional Water Planning Councils following Governor Brian Kemp’s signing of HR 1008.
The Environmental Protection Division, Department of Agriculture, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Economic Development are now seeking nominations from individuals interested in serving on the councils.
Nominees are encouraged from a variety of backgrounds, including business, agriculture, forestry, local government, education, environmental organizations, regional planning and development, and the general public. The goal is to create councils that represent a balanced range of interests and experience.
Council Service Requirements
Regional Water Planning Council members must:
- Live within the geographic boundaries of the water planning region they will serve.
- Commit to a six-year term.
- Attend up to four meetings each year.
- Review meeting materials and participate in council discussions.
- Share relevant knowledge and experience.
- Complete required council member training.
Desired Qualifications
Nominees should have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- City or county leadership
- Water or wastewater operations and planning
- Municipal, industrial, agricultural, or energy-related water issues
- Water data collection and analysis
- Local, regional, or economic development planning
- Environmental education or water-resource outreach
- Water-related decision-making
- Service on boards, committees, or councils
- Other forms of public service
Previous service on a Regional Water Planning Council will also be considered.
How to Submit a Nomination
Individuals may nominate themselves, or they may be nominated by an organization or interest group.
Nomination materials should include:
- A summary of the nominee's qualifications
- Confirmation that the nominee is interested and available to serve
- A letter of recommendation for individuals who are not self-nominated
- An optional résumé or curriculum vitae
Organizations may nominate staff members, organization members, or other qualified individuals who may be interested in serving.
Please submit all nominations using the official online nomination portal.
The nomination period is open July 15 through August 29, 2026 (45 days). Once the nomination period closes, EPD will provide the submitted names to the appropriate appointing officials.
Public Information Meeting
EPD will host a virtual public meeting to explain recent changes to the State Water Plan and provide information about the nomination process.
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 994 2362 8609
Passcode: 789022
The Regional Water Planning Councils were recently reduced from 30 members to 15 members per council. The public meeting will provide additional details about council membership and the nomination process.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division encourages interested individuals and organizations to participate in this important process to help guide the future of Georgia's water resources.
For additional information or questions, contact the Regional Water Planning Team at water.planning@dnr.ga.gov.
