12/4: More on Georgia's water problem

Gov. Perdue may turn to reservoirs for metro Atlanta water

A task force has been put together to help solve Georgia's water problems. A federal judge has set a 2012 deadline for Georgia to come up with a solution with Alabama and Florida; if a deal isn't reached, Georgia could be cut off from using millions of gallons of water from Lake Lanier.

The controversial practices of interbasin transfers or piping water from far-away rivers and lakes is are also being considered, to the dismay of environmentalists and rural lawmakers. And, currently a state law strictly prohibits river basin water transfers, so a battle over water resources within the state is sure to come.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley backs off on ban of no-bid contract deals

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe speaks with Washington governor about interstate parolee system

FLORIDA: State senators split on Medicare

GEORGIA: Speaker of the House resigns

KENTUCKY: Parts of eastern Kentucky to be targeted by MSHA due to black lung disease

LOUISIANA: State's federal funding dependence challenged by Rep. Darrell Issa

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour cuts $54.3 million in second round of budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge considers arguments on NC's 'life' sentences for prisoners

SOUTH CAROLINA: Attorney General expects good news in Carolinas' water war

TENNESSEE: State to open adult health plan to sickest children

VIRGINIA: Study on safety of uranium mining to begin this winter

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