The Savannah River that separates Georgia from South Carolina should be more of a bridge than a boundary, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue told stakeholders from both states Tuesday.

"The river has been many things to many people," the governor told about 250 people during a public forum held in Columbia County to discuss how to manage - and share - such an important resource.

Industries and cities on the Georgia side of the river already consume 90 percent of the river's capacity to assimilate wastewater.

"We may be approaching a time when future discharges are severely limited - or not allowed at all," he warned.

Wastewater, he added, is only one of many issues that will require cooperation between the two states in the future, especially when water supplies are strained by drought or growth.

The forum, Savannah River at Risk, was organized by the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, an Augusta-based research and education group spearheading a three-year, $1.8 million effort to broaden awareness of the river and its economic and ecological importance to the region.

Controversy already has emerged within the Peach State over fears that thirsty metro Atlanta might someday tap the Savannah's bountiful water supply, Mr. Perdue said, adding doubt that such a scenario could ever occur.

During Tuesday's speech, the governor announced the formation of bilateral committees in both states to foster communication about river issues that include saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, preserving recreation economies in the upstate region and sharing water supplies everywhere.

Augustan Braye Boardman, a board member for the science academy, was among the appointees from Georgia, as was state Environmental Protection Division Director Carol Couch and Georgia Natural Resources Commissioner Noel Holcomb.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's designee Tuesday was Michael McShane, the state's Natural Resources Board chairman, who said Mr. Sanford is equally eager to maintain a good relationship.

South Carolina's committee, he said, will be led by Bob Waldrep, an Anderson lawyer with expertise and experience involving river-related issues.

Tuesday's Savannah River forum included comments from a host of stakeholders representing both states, environmental regulators, the Army Corps of Engineers, utilities operations in both states and several environmental groups.

Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.