Nominations Open for Regional Water Planning Councils

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) opened an online portal on July 15 to collect nominations for Georgia's Regional Water Planning Councils. The nomination period will run 45 days, with EPD collecting submitted names by August 29, 2026.

Following Governor Kemp's signing of HR 1008, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs is partnering with EPD to help reconstitute the councils. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Economic Development are also involved in soliciting nominations. Council membership was reduced from 30 to 15 members per council under recent changes to the State Water Plan.

Who Can Serve

EPD is seeking nominees from a broad range of sectors, including business, agriculture, forestry, local government, education, environmental organizations, regional development and planning, and the general public. The goal is a balanced representation of interests on each council.

Nominees should reside within the geographic boundaries of the water planning region they would serve. The service commitment is a six-year term, including up to four meetings per year, participation in discussions, review of materials, and contribution of subject-matter expertise. Council members must also complete required training.

Desired qualifications include experience in one or more of the following areas:

Previous service on a Regional Water Planning Council will also be considered.

How to Apply

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by an organization or interest group. Nominations should include a summary of qualifications, confirmation of interest and availability to serve, and, for those not self-nominated, a letter of recommendation. A resume or CV is optional.

Nominees can include staff or members of local organizations, as well as any other individuals who meet the qualifications.

Additional information on the nomination process and the councils is available on EPD's website. Questions can be directed to the Regional Water Planning team at [email protected].

Learn More

EPD will host a public meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, August 4, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. to explain the nomination process. The meeting will cover the same information shared at previous meetings.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 994 2362 8609
Passcode: 789022

Those unable to attend the meeting, or with questions, can email [email protected].