| Agriculture, forestry, recreation, roads, and residential and industrial development can all occur in ways that protect and maintain good water quality in the Conasauga River. However, certain activities and practices can lead to erosion and sedimentation that can smother the river bottom where fish and mussels feed and breed. Also, when excess nutrients and toxic chemicals are used, water quality declines. This pollution has adversely affected several important stretches of the Conasauga River and its tributary streams.
Since 80% of the watershed is private land, the work accomplished by cooperating landowners remains a key element in improving the area. Landowners, The Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, the RC&D, and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts all work together to achieve the goals of the Alliance. Two assistance programs administered by USDA have the largest impact in improving water quality: the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The USDA Forest Service is the steward of the upper 20% of the watershed. The Forest Service is working in three general emphasis areas:
- Restore degraded components of the ecosystem in the National Forest
- Research and Monitor Key Components for Ecosystem Health
- Do Conservation Education that facilitates Alliance Goals
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Water supply for commercial and residential needs will remain a key issue in the watershed. The region is growing rapidly and has a strong demand for increased water supply. The largest distributor of water for residential and commercial use in the watershed is Dalton Utilities with over 30,000 customer connections. This company is a partner and active supporter of the Alliance. DU provides information on surface water flow, wastewater treatment and consumption in their system. They are actively involved in environmental education through their Spring Creek Wetlands Preserve. DU utilizes a land based water application system that restores surface flow water back into the watershed.
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Background reference materials;
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