Etowah Setback 150ft

Under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD) “Criteria for Water Supply Watersheds” (Rule 391-3-16-.01), a 150-foot setback along rivers like the Etowah River in north Georgia means that no impervious surface — such as buildings, paved driveways, parking lots, roads, decks, or other structures that prevent stormwater from infiltrating into the ground — can be constructed within 150 feet of each side of the stream bank in certain protected areas of a public drinking water supply watershed. These rules are designed to protect the quality of raw surface water that eventually feeds municipal supplies by preserving natural vegetated areas next to the river, reducing pollutants and stormwater runoff that otherwise would enter the stream. Outside the setback, a buffer of vegetation is also required (typically 100 feet in high-priority zones) to further filter runoff, stabilize stream banks, and support ecological functions. The 150-foot setback applies particularly to perennial streams tributary to water supply intakes or reservoirs within specified distances from the intake, and is paired with other watershed protections such as limitations on septic systems and overall watershed impervious cover to help safeguard drinking water quality. For any accessibility comments, questions, or concerns please contact [e-mail] Georiga Environmental Protective Division https://epd.georgia.gov/