What State Owns the Savannah River?

No single state exclusively owns the Savannah River; instead, it serves as a defining natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina.

The Savannah River is a significant waterway in the southeastern United States, flowing for approximately 300 miles from its headwaters in the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Its primary role, from a governmental perspective, is to delineate the border between two states, making it a shared resource rather than one under the sole proprietorship of a single state.

The Savannah River: A Shared Natural Boundary

The Savannah River Basin is strategically located, encompassing areas in eastern Georgia and western South Carolina. Its course directly defines the state boundary between these two states, implying joint jurisdiction and shared management responsibilities rather than exclusive ownership by one.

Formation and Geography

The origins of the Savannah River are found in the mountainous regions where several tributaries converge:

• Headwaters: The river's headwaters begin where the Chattooga River and Tallulah River join.
• Tugaloo River: These two rivers combine to form the Tugaloo River.
• Confluence: The Tugaloo River then flows into the main stem of the Savannah River, which continues its journey southeastward to the Atlantic.

This intricate network of rivers contributes to the rich biodiversity and hydrological significance of the entire Savannah River system.

Joint Management and Interstate Cooperation

Given its role as a border, the management, conservation, and resource allocation of the Savannah River are responsibilities shared by both Georgia and South Carolina. This necessitates ongoing cooperation and often involves interstate agreements and commissions.

Common areas of joint management include:

• Water Resources Allocation: Both states collaborate on agreements regarding water withdrawals for municipal, agricultural, industrial, and power generation purposes.
• Environmental Protection: Efforts to maintain water quality, regulate pollution, and protect the river's ecosystem are shared. This includes managing discharges and addressing non-point source pollution.
• Navigation and Commerce: Regulations concerning commercial shipping, recreational boating, and the maintenance of navigation channels often involve joint oversight.
• Fisheries and Wildlife: Conservation programs for aquatic species and riparian habitats are developed and implemented collaboratively.
• Flood Control and Dam Operations: Major dams along the river, such as Hartwell, Richard B. Russell, and Thurmond (Clark Hill), are managed by federal agencies, but their operations impact both states, requiring continuous coordination.

For more detailed information on the Savannah River and its basin, you can explore resources provided by organizations focused on river conservation and management, such as the Georgia River Network.