Recent water headlines should be a wake up call for every person in Alabama. Our most precious natural resource — water — is running dry. Nothing else on earth is as essential to every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the products we make, to our very bodies, which are more than 50 percent water.

Most Alabamians take the water that comes out of the tap for granted. However, the Alabama Agriculture Commissioner recently asked the federal government to declare a drought emergency in our state. Meanwhile, the U.S. 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that thirsty Metro Atlanta can use Lake Lanier as a water supply, which could leave less water downstream for Alabama and Florida.

It is time for Alabama to take a more serious look at how we are managing this vital resource in our state.

Alabama is the only state in the tri-state water conflict that does not have a comprehensive water management plan, leaving us in the weakest position for negotiating the water needs of people, businesses, communities and ecosystems. The recent court ruling shows that Alabama can no longer rely on litigation to try to keep the waters flowing in our state.

Alabama shares most of its major rivers with other states, so the future sustainability of Alabama’s water resources depends on a healthy balance between the states’ competing water uses within the shared water systems as well as within our own state boundaries. The court ruling highlights the fact that Alabama must engage in meaningful planning for long-term sustainability by being as efficient as possible in our water use, as well as aggressively developing our own state water planning and management policies.

The current severe drought in southeast Alabama is another stark example of how important preparation and planning are for managing our water assets. Conservation groups across Alabama have issued a water agenda that provides a framework for developing a balanced approach to clean, sustainable water resources in Alabama that will allow communities and businesses to thrive. We continue to stand ready to assist the governor, the legislature and other leaders in formulating such a plan.

All Alabamians must realize that this important, life-sustaining resource can no longer be taken for granted. The state of Alabama has no plan for managing our water use and water supplies. We manage our budgets, our offices and our households, but we have nothing in place to manage our water. Statewide water management is essential for all Alabamians, but it will only happen with significant public support and strong leadership from our elected officials.

Cindy Lowry, executive director

Alabama Rivers Alliance

Birmingham