---
title: O.C.G.A. § 44-8-4. Construction of dams, canals, and appurtent works on nonnavigable streams; liability for resultant damages.
collection: code
id: 44-8-4
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 44-8-4 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8-4
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8-4.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8-4/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t44-ch8-15-(v32)-2022-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=9e9e06de_0#page=26
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8-3.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/44-8-5.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: PROPERTY / WATER RIGHTS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 44-8-4. Construction of dams, canals, and appurtent works on nonnavigable streams; liability for resultant damages.

It shall be lawful for all corporations and individuals owning or controlling lands on both sides of any nonnavigable stream to construct and maintain a dam or dams, together with canals and appurtenances thereof, across the stream for the development of water power and for other purposes; provided, however, this Code section shall not be construed to release individuals or corporations constructing such dam or dams and appurtenant works from liability to private property owners for damages resulting from the construction and operation thereof either by overflow or otherwise.

## History

Ga. L. 1908, p. 78, § 1; Civil Code 1910, § 3634; Code 1933, § 85-1306.

## Cross References

Georgia Safe Dams Act, § 12-5-370 et seq.

## Law Reviews

For note, “Regulation of Artificial Lakes and Recreational Subdivisions in Georgia,” recommending methods for future regulation, see 8 Ga. St. B.J. 580 (1972).