ANNISTON, Ala. -- Two environmental groups say it's time for Alabama to improve protection and management of its water resources.

The Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Southern Environmental Law Center released a report Wednesday stressing that the Alabama Legislature should develop a comprehensive statewide water management plan. The groups say the lack of such a plan has made Alabama more vulnerable to threats from nature and the demands of neighboring states.

The report says the state should better enforce its water pollution prevention laws through policy changes and increased funding to watchdog agencies.

Mitch Reid, program director for Alabama Rivers Alliance, said a comprehensive plan is extremely important, especially when dealing with droughts.

Both environmental groups agree that Alabama has many good pollution laws, but say many of them are not being enforced.