WTGA describes direction/path of streamflows in each watershed, listing monitoring stations in order from headwaters to outlet, including a flow rating (where available), flow volume in cubic feet per second (CFS), the depth of flow in feet and inches, the water temperature and specific conductance (where this information is available). WTGA logs a snapshot of the stream flows through the state’s rivers and tributaries monthly, as per USGS Waterwatch current streamflow monitoring stations.

Rivers, creeks flowing high are shown in boldface;

flows that have breached action stage appear in red,

flows in flood stage appear in boldface color type.

Flow volume can change rapidly during snowmelt and rain events. All readings are posted as they appear as of our monthly update.

During rain and storm events check your local upstream station flow levels at the USGS WaterWatch Current Streamflow site or sign up for high flow alerts. Streamflow data is subject to review as sensors at the monitoring stations do malfunction from time to time. See USGS Provisional Data Statement at the end of this report for more information.

To Groundwater Monitors

USGS has ceased updating the Groundwater Watch site, the site is no longer accessible.

The service is expected to resume at some point, WTGA will continue to check for updates.

To Impaired Water Bodies (IWB) EPA 303d list

The EPA requires all states update a draft list of impaired water bodies (the 303d list) every two years; providing a period for public comments, presenting the draft list to the EPA. The final 303d list is published as approved (or partially approved) by the EPA, roughly every two years.

Impaired water bodies are defined as those with contaminants measured above threshold levels, as set by the EPA Clean Water Act, or where the desired use is impaired. The latest Draft List for Georgia is available on this site.

This report tallies the total impaired water bodies in each watershed area. The list includes Georgia lakes, creeks, rivers and reservoirs that require management limiting release of contaminants and nutrients, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans. The TMDL plan is a type of Clean Water Plans, established by a collaboration of municipal, industrial and environmental groups in an overlay zoning district.

To Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts

Hazardous algae blooms are reported here as reported to the Georgia public complaints portal and confirmed by Georgia EPD. EPD contacts the water body local management and conducts testing for algal toxin levels if necessary. According to Georgia EPD Media spokesperson, there have not been instances of algal toxins in excess of recreational water use limits.

Active, confirmed HABs will be listed by water body, date and time of the report, in the applicable watershed, with location information (accuracy of our location description is limited by the accuracy of the location tag in the EPD report).

Contact parks management for the current information on local conditions before heading out and consider using an on-site rapid test for microcystin.

To Spills

Georgia EPD 24 hour Emergency Operations Center 1-800-241-4113

National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802

24-hour emergency line staffed by US Coast Guard for oil spills on water.

As per EPA Oil Discharge Reporting Requirements, the reportable amount of spilled oil product is any amount that leaves a visible sheen on the surface or a sludge at the bottom of the water body. Such spills are to be reported immediately (within 15 minutes). Spills from a vessel into navigable waterways are to be reported to the NRC in compliance with the Discharge of Oil regulation and Prevention of Oil Pollution regulation of the EPA.

From Georgia EPD Emergency Operations Centre, “oil” includes but is not limited to: gasoline, crude oil, fuel oil, diesel oil, lubricating oil, sludge, oil refuse, oil mixed with wastes, and any other petroleum related product. Accidental discharges of oil during maintenance of one’s own personal vehicle or farm machinery shall be exempt from the reporting requirement.

Note that all spills should be cleaned up, whether or not they are reportable.

WTGA reports spills from the latest records uploaded to the Georgia EPD Public Complaints portal. Oil, diesel, gas, chemical spill reports are posted following incident response, with notes on remediation actions taken. Various spill types are searched categorically each week and posted by watershed in which they are confirmed to have occurred.

Spills of petroleum products of 40 gallons or more, spills of any amount impacting water, spills of any amount of toxic contaminants are listed weekly in the watershed in which they occur, including location of the spill, the contaminant spilled (if known), the quantity (if known) and the resource affected (if known) surface water, groundwater, sewer, etc, and any amounts of contaminant material recovered at the site.
Spills resulting from private vehicle maintenance, private vehicle accidents are excluded from this report.
spills marked with asterisk * are tracked with state and/or EPA authorities for more information. See the CrimeBox for details on violations and charges under the Clean Water Act.

Sources:

WaterToday Georgia aggregates information and data from Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Georgia Health, EPA Region 4; United States Geological Survey WaterWatch Current Streamflow, USGS Groundwater Watch, National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by watershed area. The accuracy of the information contained in our reports is dependent on these sources. Provisional data statements apply, confirm data with local authorities before taking action.

Georgia’s landscape sends rainfall in two directions from the height of land, also known as the drainage divide: southwest to the Gulf of Mexico, or southeast to the Atlantic Ocean.

Find your location in one of the five sections of our report.

Gulf North	High Flows	HABs/Beach Alerts	Spills	Impaired Water Bodies
Tennessee	0	0	0	167
Coosa	0	0	3	408
Tallapoosa	0	0	0	54
Totals	0	0	3	629

Gulf of Mexico Flows

1 Gulf North

1a Tennessee River Watershed

The Tennessee River collects rainfall and runoff for the Ohio River system, which joins the Mississippi and empties out into the Gulf of Mexico. While no part of the Tennessee River itself passes through Georgia, there are tributary creeks originating in north Georgia that cross the state line and join up with Tennessee waters.

Lookout Creek drains an area of 149 sq miles of Dade County. The flow is monitored near New England is normal flow, 73.41% above the mean, 339 cfs and 5.73 ft deep. 12/01/22.
Chattanooga Creek drains an area of 6 sq miles of Walker County. The flow is monitored at Flintstone: 57.75% above mean, 94.4 cfs and 5.06 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
West Chickamauga Creek drains an area of 148 sq miles in Catoosa County. The flow near Lakeview: 99.21% above mean, 522 cfs and 4.37 ft deep as of 12/01/22
South Chickamauga Creek drains an area of 169 sq miles in Catoosa County. The flow near Ringgold: 65.35% above mean, 305 cfs and 5.21 ft deep as of 12/01/22

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (167)

167 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf North Tab, for Tennessee Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Tennessee Valley Authority manages Lake Blue Ridge, including water releases from the dam, water quality testing, fish testing, assessment of lake health. WTGA has inquired for bacteria testing and algae blooms. No known alerts as of this report.

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

1b Coosa River Watershed

The Coosa River is a collection of several tributary rivers gathered from northwest Georgia. At the beginnings of this system, the Conasauga River and Coosawattee Rivers join up to form the Oostanaula River. The Oostanaula in turn joins flow with Etowah River system to form the Coosa River. The Coosa runs west into Alabama where it merges with the Tallapoosa River across the state line in Alabama, forming the Alabama River, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

(Confusion alert** Watch for another river by the same name (Chattooga) in northeast Georgia! These two are not the same.)

Conasauga River drains an area of 8.24 sq miles in Murray County. The flow at Tilton is much above normal, 250.71% above mean, 3530 cfs and 8.96 ft deep, as of 12/01/22.
Mill Creek drains an area of 40 sq miles in Whitfield County. The flow at Dalton is above normal, 192.06% above the mean, 104 cfs and 4.72 ft deep, as of 12/01/22.
Coahulla Creek drains an area of 176 sq miles in Whitfield County. The flow near Dalton is 42.42% above mean, 63.2 cfs and 7.63 ft deep, as of 11/01/22
Coosawattee River drains an area of 831 sq miles in Gordon and Murray Counties. The flow at Pine Chapel is above normal, 182.14% above the mean, 2410 cfs and 9.24 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
Talking Rock Creek drains an area of 119 sq miles. The flow near Hinton is normal, 76.05% above mean at 127 cfs, 1.44 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Holly Creek drains an area of 1602 sq miles in Gordon County. The flow near Chatsworth is normal, 64.22% above mean at 96.3 cfs and 2.44 ft deep. The water temp is 0.6 C, as of 12/01/22.
Fausett Creek drains an area of 9.99 sq miles in Gilmer County. The flow near Talking Rock is below normal, 46.77% above the mean, 6.95 cfs and 1.52 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Oostanaula River drains an area of 2115 sq miles in Gordon and Floyd Counties. The flow at Resaca is much above normal, 226.90% above the mean, 6350 cfs and 10.78 ft deep, as of 12/01/22
Etowah River drains an area of 1634 sq miles in Dawson, Bartow and Cherokee Counties.
The flow at GA 136 near Landrum is 122.12% above mean at 288 cfs and 2.98 ft deep (flood stage is 14 ft), 9.0°and 19 µS/cm;
at GA9 near Dawsonville is 145.84% above mean at 406 cfs and 5.32 ft deep (flood stage is 13 ft) 9.4C and 24 µS/cm ;
at Kelly Bridge near Matt is 124.56% above mean at 790 cfs and 2.55 ft deep (flood stage is 19 ft); downstream of I-575 at Canton in Cherokee County is 175.08% above mean at 1790 cfs ad 6.34 ft deep (flood stage is 17 ft);
at Canton is much above normal, 202.57% above mean at 1870 cfs and 4.54 ft deep (flood stage is 16 ft) 10.1 C;
at Allatoona Dam above Cartersville in Bartow County is below normal, 17.23% above mean at 388 cfs and 1.29 ft deep (flood at 9ft) 12.3°C;
at Allatoona Dam 690.10 ft deep; at GA61 near Cartersville is 38.91% above mean at 923 cfs and 5.85 ft deep (flood stage is 18 ft);
near Kingston is normal, 82.74% above mean at 2170 cfs and 5.37 ft deep (floods at 20 ft) as of 12/01/22
Two Run Creek drains an area of 33.1 sq miles in Bartow County. The flow near Kingston is above normal, 86.25% above the mean, 34.5 cfs and 1.42 ft deep. (update 12/01/22)
Oothcalooga River drains an area of 62.6 sq miles in Gordon County. The flow at GA 53 spur near Calhoun is 180.95% above mean, and 151 cfs and 7.92 ft deep. (update 12/01/22)
Coosa River drains an area of 4040 sq miles in Floyd County. The flow near Rome is much above normal, 241.96% above mean, 14300 cfs and 16.72 ft deep (flood stage is 24 ft). The water temp is 12.4°C. (update 12/01/22)
Chattooga River (of the northwest) drains an area of 4040 sq miles of northwest Georgia. The flow at Summerville is above normal, 152.80% above mean at 543 cfs and 4.37 ft deep (flood stage is 14 ft). (update 12/01/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (408)

408 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf North Tab, for Coosa Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Allatoona Lake and dam are located in this watershed. TVA has been contacted for more information on the reservoir water quality.

Spills (3 new)

Nov 22 – 650 gallons of sulfuric acid was reported to have been spilled in a parking lot from three 350-gallon totes from a tractor trailer on the 100 block of Carbondale Rd in Dalton – Whitfield – file closed Nov 30

Nov 21 – a clogged manhole caused a sewage spill of 300 gallons to be released into Possum Creek on the 100 block of Peach Crossing Dr in Dallas - Paulding – No fish kill noted and no drinking water was affected – according to Georgia EPD investigator’s report

Nov 23 – a sewage spill of 3600 gallons was reported by the County Water System stating a clog of grease and rags caused this spill to occur on the 0-100 block of Boxelder Court in Dallas – Paulding – sewer lines were jetted and lime applied – file closed Nov 29 *

1c Tallapoosa River Watershed

The Tallapoosa River originates in northwest Georgia, draining an area of Paulding and Haralson counties before crossing the state line and joining the Coosa River, forming the Alabama River.

Tallapoosa River drains an area of 272 sq miles of Haralson County. The flow at US78 near Tallapoosa is 342.22% above mean at 750 cfs and 3.80 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Little Tallapoosa drains an area of 245 sq miles of Carroll County. The flow at GA100 near Bowden is 349.33% above mean at 980 cfs 7.45 ft deep; at Carrollton is much above normal, 325.32% above mean at 299 cfs and 4.51 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
Cedar Creek drains an area of 65.3 sq miles of Polk County. The flow at Cedartown is much above normal, 201.21% above mean at 166 cfs and 1.45 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Snake Creek drains an area of 35.5 sq miles of Carroll County. The flow near Whitesburg is much above normal, 216.56% above mean at 7420 cfs and 7.49 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Snake Creek Reservoir drains an area of 34 sq miles in Carroll County. The flow is 150.89 % above mean at 37.3 cfs and 3.80 ft deep. The water temp is 12.7 °C as of 12/01/22
Dog River drains an area of 66 sq miles of Douglas County. The flow at GA 5 near Fairplay 82.70% above mean at 72 cfs and 3.79 ft deep. The water temp is 9.6°C. 12/01/22

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (54)

54 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf North Tab, for Tallapoosa River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No beach alerts found for this week

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

Gulf West	High Flows	HABs/Beach Alerts	Spills	Impaired Water Bodies
Chattahoochee	0	0	1	403
Flint	0	0	0	263
Totals	0	0	1	669

2 Gulf West

2a Chattahoochee River Watershed

The Chattahoochee headwaters form up near Helen, in northeast Georgia in the Appalachian Mountains. From Union County, the Chattahoochee flowing southwest, through the capital and then south, forming the state border with Alabama, terminating in Lake Seminole.

Chattahoochee River drains an area of 8210 sq miles from the northeast to the southwest. The flow
At Helen is normal, 65.71% above mean at 121 cfs and 0.95 ft deep, 8.2°C.;
at Leaf flow is above normal, 120.42% above mean at 397 cfs and 2.25 ft deep;
at GA100 at Cornelia is normal, 87.91% above mean at 764 cfs and 1.47 ft deep;
near Fairburn is above normal, 186.41% above mean at 5540 cfs and 5 ft deep all as of 12/01/22
Powder Springs Creek drains an area of 23 sq miles of Cobb County. The flow near Powder Springs 70.30% above mean at 24.4 cfs and 1.91 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Noses Creek drains an area of 44.5 sq miles of Cobb County. The flow at Powder Road is 137.14% above mean at 67 cfs and 3.04 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Sweetwater Creek drains an area of 13.5 sq miles of Cobb County. The flow at Powder Springs is 716.34% above mean at 816 cfs and 9.11 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
Nickajack Creek drains an area of 31 sq miles in Cobb County. The flow near Mableton is 113.11% above mean at 51.0 cfs and 2.20 ft deep as of 12/01/22
Utoy Creek drains an area of 33 sq miles in Fulton County. The flow is unrated, 95.96% above mean at 39.7 cfs and 3.21 ft deep. The water temp is 13.2°C as of 12/01/22
Nancy Creek drains an area of 26.6 sq miles in County. The flow at Atlanta is 8.62% above mean at 5.39 cfs and 0.59 ft deep. The water temp is 15.3°C as of 11/01/22

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (403)

403 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf West Tab, for Chattahoochee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Georgia Power manages freshwater lakes formed by hydro dams. No beach alerts or toxin alerts reported this week.

Spills (1 new)

Nov 23 – sewage spill of 12740 gallons reported due to a grease blockage in a pipe on the 1900 block of Bramblewood Drive in Atlanta – DeKalb* North Fork Peachtree Creek impacted

2b Flint River Watershed

The Flint River originates south of Atlanta and gathers run-off from 7570 sq miles of Georgia as it traverses the course north to south, flowing west through Alabama to empty in the Gulf of Mexico.

Flint River drains an area of 7570 sq miles down the west side of the state. The flow near Griffin in Spalding County is much above normal, 243.96% above mean at 776 cfs and 7.07 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
below Big Branch, Pike County flow is 335.85% above mean at 2230 cfs and 10.12 ft deep as of 12/01/22
at Thomaston, Upson County, flow is above normal, 226.19% above mean at 3610 cfs and 5.81 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
near Carsonville in Upson County, flow is much above normal, 302.02% above mean, 5780 cfs and 8.51 ft deep as of 12/01/22
at GA 26 near Montezuma, Macon County, the flow is above normal 150.60% above mean at 4870 cfs and 6.83 ft deep as of 12/01/22
at GA 32 near Oakfield in Worth County the flow is above normal, 131.73% above mean at 5310 cfs and 7.14 ft deep as of 12/01/22
at Albany, Dougherty County, the flow is above normal 135.49% above mean at 6530 cfs and 6.20 ft deep as of 12/01/22
at Newton in Baker County, the flow is above normal, 128.80% above mean at 6180 cfs and 8.09 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
at Riverview Plantation near Hopeful in Mitchell County, the flow is 132.41% above mean at 6300 cfs and 7.79 ft deep as of 12/01/22.
at Bainbridge, Decatur County the flow is above normal, 106.41% above mean at 6180 cfs and 19.17 ft deep (flood stage 22ft). The water temp is 15.5°C as of 12/01/22

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (263)

263 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf West Tab, for Flint River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

Gulf Southwest	High Flows	HABs/Beach Alerts	Spills	Impaired Water Bodies
Ochlockonee	0	0	0	45
Suwannee	0	0	1	127
Totals	0	0	1	172

3 Gulf Southwest

3a Ochlockonee River Basin

Ochlockonee River originates in Worth County in southwest Georgia. The Ochlockonee catchment area drains a combined 1400 plus square miles of Georgia landscape before exiting into Florida and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Main use is for fishing. Two smaller and separate watersheds within the Ochlockonee basin, the Aucilla and Wards Creek each have their separate channels directly dumping into the Gulf of Mexico (not monitored). The main tributary rivers and creeks are the Little Ochlockonee River, Tired Creek, Telogia Creek and Crooked River (not monitored).

Ochlockonee River drains an area of 1002 sq miles in Worth, Thomas and Leon counties. The flow
at GA188 near Coolidge in Thomas County is 30.22% above mean at 31.5 cfs and 2.74 ft deep (floods at 13 ft);
near Thomasville in Thomas County is normal, 31.17% above mean flow at 74.9 cfs and 3.11 ft deep (floods at 15 ft);
near Concord, at the Georgia/Florida border in Leon County is 33.97% above mean at 157 cfs and 25.20 feet deep (flood stage is 36 ft). (updated 12/01/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (45)

45 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf Southwest Tab, for Ochlockonee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No reports of HABs this week

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

3b Suwannee River Watershed

The Suwanee River originates in the Okefenokee Wilderness, between State Hwy 122 and Valdosta Highway. The blackwater Suwannee and its major tributaries, the Willacoochee, Withlacoochee, Alapaha and Little Rivers channel run-off from more than 5000 sq miles from parts of twenty counties in Georgia before crossing over into Florida to empty into the Gulf of Mexico.

Suwannee River drains 1130 sq miles in south central Georgia. The flow

- above Fargo in Clinch County indicates flow depth of 5.45 feet;

- at US 441 at Fargo in Clinch County the flow is normal, 41.42

% above mean at 193 cfs and 2.96 ft deep. The channel floods at 13 ft in this location. (update 12/01/22)

Little River drains an area of 776 sq miles in Georgia before joining the Withlacoochee. The Little River is flowing
at Upper Ty Ty Road near Tifton in Tift County normal, at 18.30% above mean at 5.14 cfs, and 0.31 ft deep;
near Adel in Cook County is normal, 13.98% above the mean, 32.0 cfs and 2.85 ft deep (flood stage is 15.9 ft);
near Hahira in Lowndes is flowing 6.80 above the mean at 16.0 cfs and 3.95 ft deep. Flooding occurs at 15.2 ft at this section of the river. (Update 12/01/22)
Alapaha River drains an area of 1730 sq miles of south-central Georgia.

The flow

at GA 195/32 near Irwinville in Irwin County is 22.51% above mean at 11.3 cfs and 1.60 ft deep (flood stage is 9.9 ft);
near Alapaha is normal, 22.14% above mean at 48.0 cfs and 2.96 ft deep (flooding occurs at 15.4 ft);
at Statenville in Echols County is normal, 23.53% above mean at 102 cfs and 1.67 ft deep. Flood stage is 23.9 ft at this location. (Update 12/01/22)
Withlacoochee River drains an area of 1480 sq miles. The flow at
Skipper Bridge Rd near Bemiss in Lowndes County is normal, 13.11% above mean at 36.5 cfs and 2.45 feet deep (flood stage is 14.7 ft);
near Valdosta is 3.80 ft deep; at Quitman flow is normal 8.12% above mean at 46.8 cfs and 1.99 ft deep (flood stage at 20.5 ft) 15.6°C and 270 µS/cm.;
near Pinetta, Florida is normal, 22.04% above mean at 165 cfs and 6.39 ft deep, (flood stage 26.5 ft) 18.3°C and 342µS/cm. 12/01/22

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (127)

127 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Gulf Southwest Tab, for Suwannee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No alerts posted this week

Spills (1 new)

Nov 25 – a combine (farm machinery) drove through town with a leaking hydraulic line, releasing an estimated 20-30 gallons of hydraulic fluid over one block along GA 76 and Azalea St in Morven – Brooks County – No water impacted – Granular sorbent applied to clean spill site – file closed Nov 30

Atlantic Central	High Flows	HABs/Beach Alerts	Spills	Impaired Water Bodies
Oconee	0	0	0	278
Ocmulgee	0	0	2	281
Altamaha	0	0	0	71
Satilla	0	0	1	121
St. Marys	0	0	0	14
Totals	0	0	3	765

4 Atlantic Central

4a Oconee River Watershed

The Oconee headwaters form in Hall County, flowing southeast through Middle and North Oconee Channels to form the Oconee River below Athens. From here the system flows into Lake Oconee, formed by the Wallace Dam and Sinclair Lake formed by the Sinclair Dam. The Oconee flows down from the dams to its confluence Ocmulgee River, eventually emptying into the Atlantic.

Middle Oconee drains an area of 398 sq miles in Jackson and Clarke Counties before joining the North Oconee stream to form Oconee River.
North Oconee drains an area of 275 sq miles of Jackson and Clarke Counties before joining up with Middle Oconee below Athens. The flow
at Commerce is, 103.20% above mean at 174 cfs and 3.13 ft deep (flood stage is 15 ft);
at Athens flow is much above normal, 216.26% above mean at 957 cfs and 2.57 ft deep (floods at 19 ft) 12/01/22
Oconee River drains an area of 5110 sq miles of Wheeler, Laurens, Wilkinson, Baldwin, Greene and the above Counties. The flow monitor

- near Penfield in Greene County shows much above normal flow, 269.82% above mean at 3110 cfs and 8.88 ft deep (floods at 13 ft);

- at Milledgeville in Baldwin County shows above normal flow, 260.86% above mean at 6070 cfs and 11.38 ft deep (flood stage 30 ft);

- at Avant Mine near Oconee in Washington County is 261.89% above mean at 5740 cfs and 10.01 ft deep (floods at 18 ft);

- near Oconee in Wilkinson County is above normal, 124.88% above mean at 4330 cfs and 7.42 ft deep (flood stage 17 ft);

- at Dublin in Laurens County flow is above normal, 124.65% above mean at 4330 cfs and 7.42 ft deep (floods at 21 ft);

- near Mt. Vernon in Wheeler County the flow is above normal, 129.78% above mean at 3320 cfs and 5.24 ft deep (floods at 16 ft)

(updated 12/01/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (281)

281 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic Central, for Oconee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No new blooms or toxin alerts posted

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

4b Ocmulgee River Watershed

Ocmulgee River originates at Jackson Lake, straddling Jasper, Newton and Butts Counties. The Ocmulgee flows south to join the Oconee River, forming the Altamaha River. Jackson Lake is fed by three rivers: South, Yellow and Alcovy Rivers originating in Central Georgia, all part of the Ocmulgee Watershed area.

South River drains an area of 468 sq miles in Newton, Dekalb and Fulton Counties. The flow
at Springdale Rd in Atlanta 2.33 ft deep (flood stage 17 ft) 10.4°C and 194µS/cm;
at Forrest Park Rd in Atlanta, flow is 53.86% above mean at 21.5 cfs and 3.22 ft deep (flood stage 15 ft) 21.5 °C and 166 µS/cm;
at Flakes Mill Rd near Atlanta in Dekalb County is 85.08% above mean at 144 cfs and 3.05 ft deep (flood here at 13 ft) 10.8 C and 111 µS/cm;
at Klondike Rd near Lithonia in Dekalb County is above normal, 77.83% above mean at 298 cfs and 5.56 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft);
at GA81 at Snapping Shoals in Newton County the flow is 137.91% above mean at 1430 cfs and 7.86 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft). (Updated 12/01/22).
Yellow River drains an area of sq miles in Dekalb and Counties. The flow
at Pleasant Hill Rd near Lithonia in Dekalb County is 210.86% above mean at 829 cfs and 4.17 ft deep (floods at 13 ft);
at Milstead in Rockdale County is normal, 278% above the mean, 1110 cfs and 4.54 ft deep (floods at 13ft);
at Rocky Plains Rd near Rocky Plains in Newton County, the flow is normal, 399.93% above mean at 2640 cfs and 11.79 ft deep (flood stage 18 ft) (update 12/01/22)
Alcovy River drains an area of 244 sq miles in Newton and Gwinnett Counties. The flow
at New Hope Rd near Grayson in Gwinnett County is 107.89% above mean at 58.9 cfs and 2.98 ft deep (floods at 9ft) 10°C and 72µS/cm;
above Covington in Newton County the flow is much above normal, 229.64% above mean at 571 cfs and 6.28 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft) 10C and 52µS/cm;
below Covington in Newton County is 101.94% above mean at 433 cfs and 3.58 ft deep (floods at 11 ft) (update 12/01/22)
Little Ocmulgee River drains an area of 316 sq miles in Telfair County. The flow
at GA149 at Scotland in Telfair County is unrated: 8.39% above mean at 13.1 cfs and 1.60 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft) (12/02/22)
Ocmulgee River drains a combined area of 5180 sq miles in central Georgia. The flow
near Jackson in Butts County is much above normal, 278.38% above the mean, 4440 cfs and 6.29 ft deep(flood stage 19 ft);
at Macon in Bibb County is much above normal: 69 % above mean at 6080 cfs and 14.85 ft deep (flood stage 18 ft);
at US341 at Hawkinsville in Pulaski County is normal: 83.17% above mean at 3730 cfs and 5.83 ft deep (flood stage 20 ft);
at Abbeville in Wilcox County is normal: 123.85% above mean at 3270 cfs and 5.17 ft deep (flood stage 12 ft);
at Lumber City in Jeff Davis County is normal: 68.41% above mean at 2380 cfs and 2.76 ft deep (flood stage 15 ft) (updated 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (278)

278 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic Central Tab, for Ocmulgee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No posted alerts this week

Spills (1 new)

Nov 21 – 4200 gallons of sewage reported spilled on Fairway Dr in Warner Robbins – Houston – no fish kill noted – File closed Nov 23. *

4c Altamaha River Watershed

The combined flows of the Oconee River system and the Ocmulgee River system form the Altamaha, “the largest free flowing river on the East coast”, according to the Georgia River Network.

Altamaha River drains a combined area of 14000 square miles in central Georgia. The flow
at US221 near Charlotteville in Montgomery County is normal, 98.09% above mean at 5490 cfs and 3.71 ft deep (flood stage 13 ft);
near Baxley in Appling County flow is normal, 82.83% above mean at 5810 cfs and 5.08 ft deep (flood at 11 ft) 11.6 °C;
at Doctortown in Wayne County flow is normal, 57.26% above mean at 4490 cfs and 5.22 ft deep (floods at 12 ft);
near Everett City in Glynn County flow is normal, --% above mean at -- cfs and 6.93 ft deep (floods at 13 ft) (updated 12/02/22)
Ohoopee River drains an area of 1110 sq miles in Emanuel and Tatnall Counties. The flow
at GA 297 near Swainsboro in Emanuel County is 38.63% above mean at 64.7 cfs and 8.95 ft deep (flood stage 18 ft);
near Reidsville is flowing normal, 32.31% above mean at 184 cfs and 3.14 ft deep (flood stage is reached at 10 ft) (updated 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (71)

71 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic Central Tab, for Altamaha River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

No alerts posted

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

4d Satilla River Watershed

The Satilla River forms in Ben Hill County, flows south 200 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.

Little Satilla River drains an area of 659 sq miles in Pierce County. The flow near Offerman is normal: 17.42% above mean at 57.4 cfs and 3.69 ft deep (flood stage is 9ft) (12/02/22)
Satilla River drains an area of 3240 sq miles in south central Georgia to the Atlantic. The flow
at GA 158 near Waycross in Ware County is, 165.29% above mean flow at 290 cfs and 5.63 ft deep (flood stage is reached at 14 ft);
at Waycross is normal at 27.22% above mean at 137 cfs and 6.01 ft deep (floods at 16 ft)
at Atkinson in Brantley County, flow is normal: 42.55% above mean at 391 cfs and 4.57 ft deep (flood stage 13 ft); US17
at Woodbine in Camden County is tidal, currently flowing at 24300 cfs, and 0.45 ft deep (flood stage is 4.21 ft) (update 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (121)

121 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic Central tab, for Satilla Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Spills (1 new)

Nov 27 – unknown amounts of diesel spilled due to a driving error when a tote filled with diesel came off the vehicle and started leaking on Elizabeth Church Rd highway 221 and Douglas highway in Hazel Hurst – Jeff Davis County– unknown amounts are impacting the soil by the road in an area approximately 40ft x 3 ft wide – the county has appointed a group to clean up the spill by scraping off topsoil to be contained for final disposal – File closed Nov 30.

4e St. Marys River Watershed

St. Marys is a blackwater river originating in the Okefenokee Wilderness area, southcentral Georgia. The river flows 130 miles and empties into Cumberland Sound in the Atlantic.

North Prong St Marys River drains an area of 160 sq miles in Baker County. The flow at Montiac in Bakers County is normal: 52.73% above mean at 33.3 cfs and 5.67 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft);(update 12/02/22)
Marys River drains an area of 1480 sq miles in south central Georgia, including Baker, Charlton, and Camden Counties. The flow
near MacClenny in Florida is normal: 46.66% above mean at 94.3 cfs and 2.97 ft deep (flood stage is 12 ft);
at Ferry Landing near Folkston in Charlton County is 2 ft deep (flood stage is 7ft); the flow at I-95 near Kingsland in Camden County is tidal, flowing backwards at 25600 cfs and 0.82 ft deep (flood stage is 3.47 ft) (update 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (14)

14 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic Central tab, for St. Marys River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (0)

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

Atlantic East	High Flows	HABs/Beach Alerts	Spills	Impaired Water Bodies
Savannah	0	0	1	302
Ogeechee	0	0	0	116
Totals	0	0	1	418

Atlantic East

5a Savannah River Watershed

The Savannah River originates in South Carolina, formed with the combined flows of the Tugaloo, itself formed by the joining of Chattooga and Tallulah Rivers, and the Seneca River. The Savannah flows through east Georgia to its outlet at the Atlantic Ocean, taking run-off from an area of 5800 square miles in Eastern Georgia.

Chattooga River drains an area of 47 sq miles in Rabun County. The flow at Burrells Ford near Pine Mountain is, 51.97% above mean at 163 cfs and 1.33 ft deep, 6.5ºC (flood stage is 7 ft) (update 12/02/22)
Tallulah River drains an area of 184 sq miles in Rabun County. The flow near Clayton is normal 67.80% above mean at 137 cfs and 2.36 ft deep (flood stage is 20ft);
at Terrora Powerhouse at Tallulah Falls the flow is unrated 51.40% above mean at 68.5 cfs and 2.26 ft deep;
above Powerhouse near Tallulah Falls flow is, 94.72% above mean at 38.6 cfs and 5.13 ft deep (flood stage is 30 ft) (update 12/02/22)
Broad River drains an area of 1420 sq feet in Elbert and Madison Counties. The flow above Carlton in Madison County is above normal, 119.51% above mean at 1060 cfs and 3.89 ft deep (flood stage is 15 ft); the flow near Bell in Elbert County is above normal, 147.67% above mean at 2120 cfs and 7.06 ft deep (flood stage is 21 ft) 12/02/22
Savannah River drains an area of 9850 sq miles from Columbia County to Effingham County. The flow:

- near Evans in Columbia County is 15.42 ft deep;

- at Jefferson Davis Bridge near Augusta in Richmond County 14.24 ft deep;

- at Augusta is normal, 59.81% above mean at 4720 cfs and 98.04 ft deep (flood stage is 117.5 ft);

- near Waynesboro in Burke County is 88.81% above mean at 6050 cfs and 8.26 ft deep;

- at Burtons Ferry near Millhaven in Screven County is below normal, 55.62% above mean at 5310 cfs and 5.53 ft deep (flood stage 15 ft);

- at Cylo in Effingham County flow is below normal, 57.76% above mean at 5550 cfs and 3.94 ft deep (flood stage 11 ft);

- above Hardeeville SC 5.44 ft deep;

- near Port Wentworth in Effingham County is 17900 cfs and -0.61 ft deep;

- at USACE Dock in Savannah is 62000 cfs and -2.70 ft deep, temp 16°C. (update 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (302)

302 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic East tab, for Savannah River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (1)

July 12, 2022 Beach Water Advisory issued for North Beach at Gulick St, Tybee Island. Routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria, associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

Spills (1 new)

Nov 21 – caller reports organic sheen on the Savannah River on the 100 block of Fig Island Dr in Savannah – Chatham - cause is unknown – file closed Nov 30. *

5b Ogeechee River Watershed

The Ogeechee is a free flowing blackwater river draining an area of 5540 sq miles entirely inside the state of Georgia. The North and South Fork Ogeechee Rivers (not monitored) come together to form the Ogeechee, which flows 245 miles and empties in the Atlantic.

Black Creek drains an area of 232 sq miles of Bryan County. The flow near Blichton is normal: 7.33% above mean at 8.33 cfs and 2.87 ft deep (flood stage is 18 ft) (update 12/02/22)
Ogeechee River drains a combined area of 5540 square miles in Jefferson, Screven, and Counties. The flow
at GA 88 near Grange in Jefferson County is: 152.26% above mean at 218 cfs and 9.45 ft deep (flood stage is 18 ft);
at Midville in Burke County is: 96.59% above mean at 625 cfs and 3.07 ft deep (flood stage is 6 ft);
near Rocky Ford Rd in Rocky Ford, in Screven County is normal: 66.99% above mean at 471 cfs and 3.94 ft deep(flood stage is 13 ft);
at GA 24 near Oliver in County is flowing normal, 47.04% above mean at 466 cfs and 6.69 ft deep;
near Eden is below normal flow: 33.21% above mean at 460 cfs and 2.82 ft deep (flood stage is 11 ft);
at GA204 near Ellabell the flow is unrated: 35.87% above mean at 443 cfs and 4.11 ft deep (flood stage not given);
at US17 near Richmond Hill tidal outlet in Bryan County, flow is 0.00 cfs at 2.48 ft deep. (update 12/02/22)

Impaired Water Body EPA 303d List (116)

116 water bodies or sections of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs not meeting desired use or having measured contaminant above threshold levels are listed on Georgia’s IWB 303d list for 2020. See this site for the detailed list under the Atlantic East tab, for Ogeechee River Watershed.

Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) Beach Alerts (3)

Permanent Beach Water Advisory: updated July 14, 2022 at King’s Ferry County Park – this inland beach area is off Highway 17 on the Ogeechee River at the Chatham/Bryan County line.
Permanent Beach Water Advisory: updated July 14, 2022 Clam Creek Beach on Jekyll Island – this area is on the back side of the island at the end of Clam Creek Road, high bacteria levels
Permanent Beach Water Advisory: updated July 14, 2022 Andrews Beach on Jekyll Island – this area is also on the back side of the island, around the St. Andrews Picnic area, testing above the EPA limits for bacteria. Avoid swimming and wading in this area.

Spills (0 new)

No new spill reports found for the search period Oct 28– Nov 28.

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