River Savannah , the boundary between the states of Georgia and South Carolina, is formed by the merging of Tugaloo and Seneca rivers. Historically important as a transportation corridor, River Savannah now mainly supplies water to the Savannah industries and city municipalities.
River Savannah also serves as a waste disposal for the city of Savannah. It is also an important source for power generation and recreational activities.
The Savannah River was very influential in the economic development of Georgia, leading to the development of two major cities along its banks. Savannah and Augusta were founded on the banks of River Savannah in the 18th century. The navigable waters of the River Savannah helped in the transportation of cotton shipments from Savannah to other cities in southern USA. This river has a big hand in turning Savannah into an important port-city. The Savannah River again played a significant role in the 1950s when the Savannah River Plant for nuclear materials was established along its course.
Importance of the River Savannah
The River Savannah has a major influence on the geography of the region. Several big lakes are located along the river, all of which are important reservoirs. These include Strom Thurmond Lake, Russell Lake, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Keowee. All of these lakes supply water to nearby cities and also generate energy for Georgia.
The Savannah River supplies drinking water not only to Augusta and Savannah, the two Georgia cities situated near it, but also to Hilton Head and Beaufort counties and many smaller municipalities in the basin. Freshwater of the Savannah is an important source of drinking water.
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The textile industry, agriculture and forestry of Georgia depend a lot on the waters fed by River Savannah.
Tributaries of River Savannah
- Broad River
- Chattooga River
- Little River
- Tugaloo River
- Seneca River
The Savannah River originates in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia near Ellicott Rock. In the upper basin the Chatooga and the Tallulah Rivers meet to form the Tugaloo River. In the eastern part of the same basin the Twelve Mile Creek and the Keowee River meet to form the Seneca River. Finally the Seneca and Tugaloo Rivers join in the Lake Hartwell to form the River Savannah.
In recent times River Savannah, the life support of Georgia, has become much polluted. Airborne pollution as well as sewage from the nearby cities has contaminated the water of the River Savannah. Salt water intrusion from the Atlantic Ocean has also led to the pollution of this pristine river.
Industrial waste products are further spoiling the waters of the River Savannah. However, steps are being taken by the Ports Authority of Georgia to clean up the river. Home to the Box Turtle, Bald Eagle, Gopher Tortoise, and Shoals Spiderlily, River Savannah should be kept clean at all costs in the interest of the natural world.
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