Drought study emphasizes expanding existing reservoirs

ATLANTA - A study ordered in the wake of the epic drought gripping Georgia concluded that authorities should first devote resources toward expanding existing reservoirs before building new ones.

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority study released Thursday said that improving conservation and efficiency should be considered first. It also found there are plenty of opportunities to expand existing reservoirs, and it suggested that new reservoirs should serve multiple jurisdictions.

The study found that 16 existing reservoirs can increase water supply by raising the dam walls.