Explaining and understanding TMDLs will be the focus of the Upper
Suwannee River Water Summit Dec. 10 in Tifton, Ga.

TMDLs, or total maximum daily loads, are calculations of the most
of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still be safe
and healthy, meeting Georgia water quality standards.

This is the second annual summit to address critical water
quality and quantity issues in the region. Experts will talk
about current and future water policies in Georgia.

TMDL policies’ effectiveness in improving water quality has been
the topic of debate over recent years. TMDLs are just one of many
processes or practices that can improve water quality in
Georgia.

Improving Water Quality

People who attend the summit will hear from state regulators,
researchers and volunteer organizations about the principles
behind TMDLs and their effectiveness on improving water quality
in South Georgia rivers.

Local, state and federal legislators have been invited to learn
about the region’s water issues and how they can help plan the
future of the watershed.

Dan Thomas, who chairs the Upper Suwannee River Watershed
Initiative, said addressing the issue of TMDLs is way overdue.
“Implementation plans to meet TMDL goals could significantly
impact land-management practices and alternatives within the
Upper Suwannee basin,” he said.

Vital to Gulf of Mexico

The USR watershed is the area drained by the Alapaha,
Withlacoochee, Little and Suwannee rivers. The first three come
together to form the Suwannee, which winds through Florida to the
Gulf of Mexico.

The watershed is vital to the Southeastern ecology. Because it
has no impoundments large enough to alter the natural river
flows, it is the largest free-flowing water source flowing into
the Gulf.

Registration for the summit begins at 8 a.m. at the Tifton Rural
Development Center. The presentations start at 9. The program
will end at 4 p.m.

The $15 fee ($25 after Dec. 1) covers lunch and refreshment
breaks. To sign up or get more information, call (229)
386-3914.

Exhibitors interested in the USRW will provide displays and have
information on their activities related to water quality.