‘Water Wars’ Special Master Recommends Dismissing Case

Georgia has secured a victory in a decades-long battle with Florida over water.

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Florida says Georgia uses too much water, and not enough makes it down to the Gulf of Mexico, so the state sued. Florida blames Georgia’s water use for damages to its oyster industry and the state’s surrounding economy.



The case went all the way to a “special master” appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The special master issued a recommendation today. It says “Florida has not proven by clear and convincing evidence” that Georgia is using too much water.

“The governor is encouraged by the special master’s report as it appears to support the position taken by GA,” a spokesperson for Gov. Nathan Deal said in a written statement.

The fight isn’t over, however. The justices of the Supreme Court still have to sign off on the special master’s report.

Even if they do, more lawsuits may come between the states grappling over water in the Southeast.