Upper Chattahoochee
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Chattahoochee Watershed (HUC 03130001) covers approximately 2,200 square miles in northern Georgia. The watershed is a vital source of drinking water for the city of Atlanta and supports a diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The hydrology of the watershed is marked by high rainfall and frequent flooding, which can impact water quality and quantity. The area receives an average of 2 inches of snowfall per year, with occasional winter storms bringing heavier accumulation. Surface water in the watershed is primarily sourced from the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries. The reservoirs in the watershed, including Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, are critical for flood control, power generation, and recreation. Climate trends indicate increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, which could alter the hydrology of the watershed and affect its ecosystems and water resources.