The Chattahoochee basin lies in the center of Georgia, flowing through the metro Atlanta area and draining 8770 square miles. The river is critical for water supply and an important source of hydroelectric power, with a total of 22 hydropower plants. The Chattahoochee falls within historically Muscogee (Creek) land and the name translates roughly to “marked-rock river.” Tributaries of the watershed include the Chestatee, Peachtree Creek and a other creeks that are used both recreationally and commercially. Continue exploring the Chattahoochee below.
Photo by Alan Cressler. Location: Chattahoochee River, Devils Race Course, Fulton County, Georgia.
CONSERVATION
The Chattahoochee is one of the most populated basins in the state of Georgia, so there are a number of ongoing conservation efforts. Representing the Chattahoochee River are the Chattahoochee River Conservancy and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, but there are several smaller organizations for other areas of the basin:
View EPD’s TMDL Reports for the Chattahoochee River Basin.
Explore USGS water resources data for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin for groundwater/surface interactions and drought impacts.
Learn about the EPD’s Fish Consumption Advisories online in the Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia’s Waters.
Photo by Alan Cressler via Flickr. Location: Flat Shoal Creek, Harris County, Georgia.
RECREATION
One of the most famous boating spots in Georgia (with a complicated history) can be found in Lake Lanier. Learn more about the natural history and biodiversity of the area at spots like the Chattahoochee Nature Center or Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Other parks and recreation areas: Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Chattahoochee River Paddle Trail, Chattahoochee River Water Trail, West Point Lake
Photo by Alan Cressler via Flickr. Location: Big Panther Creek, Chattahoochee National Forest, Habersham County, Georgia.
EDUCATION
Learn more about the Chattahoochee, along with Georgia’s other amazing rivers, at Georgia Rivers.
Read about the Atlanta “Water Wars” at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
Explore Georgia State-Protected species by watershed at the Georgia Biodiversity Portal.
Photo by Cheryth Youngmann, UGA River Basin Center.
Map of the Chattahoochee River Basin. Created by Anna Baynes (UGA River Basin Center)