Sen. Drew Echols, Rep. Matt Dubnik Reconstitute Lake Lanier Caucus to Address Immediate Concerns Over Taste and Odor Issues

ATLANTA (January 23, 2026) - State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and State Senator Drew Echols (R-Gainesville) today announced their intention to reestablish the Lake Lanier Caucus to focus on the immediate concerns caused by reported taste and odor issues in Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River.

"Collective action is needed to examine the causes and effects of the recent taste and odor issues that impact millions of users of water from Lake Lanier," said Rep. Dubnik. "As the previous Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus chairman, I've consulted with my colleagues, and we have decided to formally reconstitute this body and convene a dialogue around addressing the unfortunate situation."

"We've heard loud and clear that the federal, state and local leaders need to look at causes and answers to fix the odor and taste issues affecting our region and beyond," said Sen. Echols. "Bringing the Lake Lanier legislators together to advocate for solutions and convening federal and local partners is a needed first step."

The legislators report that the recent issues are primarily caused by two compounds-geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB)-which are naturally occurring organic compounds produced by microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria, and are responsible for imparting a musty, earthy taste and odor to water.

The Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus is a formal group of Georgia state lawmakers representing areas around Lake Lanier. The primary purpose of the caucus is meeting to discuss and address issues impacting the lake, such as water quality, safety, levels and economic impacts, working alongside county and municipal partners, like the City of Gainesville and groups like Lake Lanier Association (LLA), to influence legislation and protect the resource.

The caucus' focus will be on boating safety laws, clean water and nutrient pollution reduction, a lake free of debris and dangerous obstacles, ensuring water supply and recreational access, often holding public hearings and collaborating with local government and partners on advocacy.

Rep. Dubnik and Sen. Echols emphasize that Lake Lanier is a crucial water source for millions and a major recreational hub. The caucus and partners will work to balance diverse interests-including water supply, tourism, recreation, environmental protection and economic development-ensuring its long-term viability.

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Sen. Drew Echols serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. He represents the 49^th Senate District, which includes a portion of Hall County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7454 or by email at [email protected].

Representative Matt Dubnik represents the citizens of District 29, which includes a portion of Hall County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education, Game, Fish & Parks, Higher Education, Judiciary Juvenile and Regulated Industries committees.

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