What to do about Georgia's water supply, that's a question local and state officials are trying to answer.

In the second of three meetings, the community came to Augusta Technical college to voice their concerns.

Experts say Georgia's population is expected to double in the next 30 years, from 9 million to 18 million. And officials with the State's water council say they need to look at all the options to help manage the expected growth.

"We're looking at water quantity issues, quality issues, water management issues the state of Georgia has never had to deal with," said Michael Gleaton, Georgia Water Council.

But local officials say when coming up with a plan, it needs to be fair for everyone.

"The greatest concern for Augusta is inter-basin transfers. Growth should follow the resource not the other way around. People are concerned about water going to Atlanta to help them grow with out allowing a city like Augusta to grow more," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Augusta.

Under current legislation, the North Georgia water district, which is mainly the Atlanta-metro area, is not allowed to be apart of any inter-basin water transfers.

Their water supply mainly comes from the Chattahoochee River. But if the current proposal passes next legislative session, the North Georgia district may be allowed to get water from other districts. Which means their supply could come from the Savannah river.

"We have an abundance or water locally. If you take it away it will definitely drop down," said Senator Ed Tarver, District 22.

While there is strong support for developing a long term plan,
most people we talked with say they hope the proposal will not slow growth here in Augusta.

The water commission will have one more meeting in November to go over the third draft before they present to the state in January.