The Governor’s Water Law Review Committee recommended Tuesday that the state immediately begin to work on an agreement with Georgia to mete out the water in the Savannah River.

Time is of the essence, the committee noted, before the Atlanta metropolitan area begins to slurp up Savannah River water.

The agreement, called a compact, would involve the two states and the federal government, which operates three lakes on the Savannah. It could take up to a decade to work out, legal experts said.

“What we do in the next 18 months is going to set the standards for water in this state for the next 50 years,” said Freddy Vang, who heads the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ water division.

Georgia water resources officials have indicated a willingness to talk with S.C. officials, but both sides say it’s too early to determine whether a compact is desirable or can be reached. Hoping to avoid animosity, the committee appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford deleted several references that could have been interpreted as bashing Georgia’s regulations.

“The goal is to encourage a neighbor state to come to the table,” said USC law professor Stephen Spitz, who headed the governor’s committee.

The committee also suggested that the state establish minimum water flow standards to keep rivers and streams healthy and regulate the amount of water that can be pumped out of those waterways.

Currently, the state regulates how much pollutant can be released into waterways but not how much water can be taken out. Dana Beach, director of the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, said the recommendations would be major, positive changes.

Several members of the committee expressed concerns that limiting water withdrawals will hurt industries that rely on water supply. They were mollified by wording that would grandfather in current water users.

The recommendations will be sent to Sanford this week. He’s under no obligation to act on them, but committee members hope the report will lead to legislative action on water regulations inside and outside the state.

Reach Holleman at (803) 771-8366 or jholleman@thestate.com.