Federal officials are investigating drought conditions in three states, including Georgia. They’re looking at the drought’s impact on water resources and the animals that call the waterways home.

Field crews with the U.S. Geological Survey are also in Alabama and Florida. Parts of all three states are in a severe drought.

The USGS’s John Clarke says the study will help them understand the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin under stressful conditions.

“USGS offices in the three states are participating in this effort. They’re going to measure over 400 wells and 200 stream sites as part of this effort.”

Many wells in this part of Georgia have run dry following months of little rain. The area is a central focus in the three state’s so-called “water war” over who should have access to Lake Lanier. Later in the summer they will return to check on wildlife.

Tags: U.S. Geological Survey, tri-state water wars, georgia drought, Apalachicola Flint River Basin