City council approves $146 million state funding for water treatment plant

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah’s city council approved $146 million in state funding for its water treatment plant.

The goal is to strengthen Savannah’s water supply, and later, create a new water system between Effingham, Bryan, and Chatham County.

These upgrades aren’t just fixing old pipes but are improving the city’s water base to accommodate the rapid increase in water usage.

The city says that data estimates that usage will grow from around 50 million gallons to 80 million by 2028.

The city’s I&D Water Treatment Plant can only pump out around 58 million gallons per day currently. That means this as a crucial time to add to their water output.

WTOC spoke with the chief of Savannah Water Resources after the vote to learn about how the first phase of this plan helps them and the city.

“We’ll be able to distribute the water, that finished water, from the site in a more effective way so that as those peaks hit us at certain times - especially during the summer and in irrigation type issues - that we’re more able to respond to those demand peaks that hit us,” said Rin Feldner, chief of Savannah Water Resources.

The money comes from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority. It’s a loan the city will repay through its water and sewer utility revenues— meaning no immediate new taxes or budget changes.

For families, that means more reliable tap water at home. For businesses, especially big employers moving into the area, it’s about knowing water will be there as the city continues to grow.

This plan will take years to fully develop, with estimates taking through 2030, and phase 1 beginning in a couple months.