Rep. Matt Dubnik, Sen. Drew Echols Hold Lake Lanier Caucus Meeting to Address Concerns Over Water Taste and Odor Issues

ATLANTA - State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and State Senator Drew Echols (R-Gainesville) convened a meeting of the recently reestablished Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus on Monday, February 23, 2026, to focus on reported concerns of taste and odor issues in Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River.

"I am grateful for the hard work of Sen. Echols, Reps. Lauren McDonald and Lee Hawkins, as well as Sen. Shawn Still, in addressing these recent concerns from constituents in the Lake Lanier and Chattahoochee River areas," said Rep. Dubnik. "Safe drinking water is vital for our communities, and no Georgian should be concerned when it comes to accessing clean, odor-free water. It was helpful to hear from presenters and attendees of this caucus meeting, and we will continue to study this issue to ensure that this problem is remedied."

During this meeting, legislators heard from Gwinnett County Government Scientist Brigette Haram, Ph.D., about treatment options, including advanced oxidation processes such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide, UV and powdered activated carbon. These legislators also heard from Mark Masters with the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center about the Lake Lanier Water Quality Initiative and learned about funding secured through Congressman Rich McCormick's office (R-GA) to address these issues.

Other attendees and presenters included: Katherine Zitsch with the Water Planning and Policy Center; Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Director Trey Bennett; and Chris Manganiello, Ph.D., Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's Water Policy Director.

The Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus is a formal group of Georgia state lawmakers representing areas around Lake Lanier. The primary purpose of the caucus is conducting meetings to discuss and address issues impacting the lake, such as water quality, safety, levels and economic impacts, working alongside county and municipal partners, like the City of Gainesville and groups like Lake Lanier Association (LLA), to influence legislation and protect the resource.

Rep. Dubnik and Sen. Echols recently reconstituted the Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus following initial concerns regarding water odor and taste in Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. To read more about this recent announcement, please click here.

Representative Matt Dubnik represents the citizens of District 29, which includes a portion of Hall County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education, Game, Fish & Parks, Higher Education, Judiciary Juvenile and Regulated Industries committees.

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