The Soque River, beginning and ending in Habersham County GA, is a vital local drinking water supply and also a renowned recreational fishery. As the northeastern most tributary to the Chattahoochee River, the Soque also has regional and interstate significance. The Soque supplies an estimated 1/6 of the inflow to Lake Sidney Lanier, the primary drinking water supply for millions of Georgians in Metro Atlanta. The condition of the Soque also plays a role in the economies and health of our downstream neighbors in Florida and Alabama.

Documented water quality impairments from non-point source (NPS) pollution are plaguing the Soquee River

Partnering with farmers to support sustainable agriculture, the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) and the project aims to protect existing water quality and restores impaired water quality by reducing the input of pollutants that include pathogens, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment into a primary watershed that supplies drinking water for Atlanta.

Most agricultural projects exclude livestock from stream access by fence-outs coupled with an off-stream water supply. Watering livestock with tanks/troughs rather than directly in streams can improve herd health and farm efficiency. Importantly, projects also help establish native riparian vegetation to protect streams and improve water quality.