Demorest ends pursuit of Tallulah Falls property for water project

DEMOREST, Ga. — Demorest is ending its pursuit of Tallulah Falls property for a future water supply, stepping back from a proposed acquisition that drew opposition from landowners while continuing to investigate other options.

In a Sept. 2 statement, the city announced that the Demorest City Council had decided against continuing the acquisition effort. The statement did not explain what prompted the decision.

The city had sought roughly 10 acres along Tallulah Lake, including portions of two parcels owned by Johnny and David Irvin and J&D Irvin Holdings. The proposed use of eminent domain drew objections from the family over private property rights and the project’s potential effects on the Tallulah Falls area.

Demorest had envisioned eventually withdrawing up to 5 million gallons of water per day from the lake, increasing withdrawals as demand grew. The proposal also raised questions about potential effects on downstream flows and Georgia Power’s hydroelectric operations.

City officials say the need for a dependable, long-term water supply remains despite the decision to stop pursuing the property.

Demorest’s system maintains approximately 435 miles of waterlines, serves more than 7,400 active meters and supplies roughly 70% of the water used throughout Habersham County, according to the city. It also provides wholesale water to neighboring communities, including Tallulah Falls.

The system relies heavily on purchased water: approximately 2 million gallons per day from Baldwin and 1 million gallons per day from Toccoa, supplemented by city wells.

While those partnerships remain important, city officials say growth across Northeast Georgia could increase demands on neighboring systems, making it necessary for Demorest to plan for additional sources.

“Waiting until a shortage exists is not responsible long-term planning,” the city said in its statement.

Demorest previously described Tallulah Lake as its last remaining viable option for a long-term supply. In the latest announcement, however, the city said its professional team identified two additional possibilities while evaluating the lake.

The city did not identify those alternatives. Both will require further engineering, property evaluation, permitting review and discussions with the appropriate parties. No conclusions have been reached about either option.

Officials described the search as an effort to secure water for the next 50 to 75 years and beyond, balancing future demand with protection of the region’s natural resources.

A public hearing on the proposed eminent-domain action had been scheduled for Sept. 16. The city’s announcement did not address whether that hearing would still take place.