An unfortunate aspect of the public resource v. commodity question is that it detracts from a focus on what are in fact important policy questions facing the state. Instead of this confusing choice, two clearly legitimate questions should be raised. First, to what extent does current Georgia law adequately protect the public’s interests in the state’s water resources? Second, in water basins in which new water use permits can not be obtained, how can changes in water use patterns over time be facilitated? One (of several) option(s) for facilitating reallocation is some form of a market institution. These considerations should make clear that the policy choice facing the Georgia Legislature is not: is water a public resource or a commodity? The policy questions that are facing the Legislature include: do present laws adequately protect the public’s interests in Georgia’s water supplies? And, how are problems associated with the reallocation of water use permits to be facilitated?