Special Master Recommends Georgia Prevail in Water War with Florida

A special master appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court has recommended that the court rule in Georgia's favor in a water rights dispute with Florida. It's just the latest in the long-running dispute between Georgia, Florida and Alabama over water in two water basins that cross state lines. Florida claims that Georgia’s excessive water withdrawals have harmed the state’s oyster industry by increasing salinity in the Apalachicola estuary. The special master rejected Florida’s arguments, finding that Georgia’s water use is reasonable and that the requested relief might not outweigh the potential harms. The case will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.