To no one's surprise, in court filings this week, the state of Georgia, the Atlanta Regional Commission and other local governments served notice they will appeal U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson's July 17 ruling that said Atlanta cannot rely on Lake Lanier for its water needs. The Georgia parties are seeking to overturn the order in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Even though the 11th Circuit has to decide whether to allow the appeals process to begin now or not (if it determines Magnuson's order constitutes an injunction the appeal will be allowed), this move should put some pressure on the other states, judging by their reactions.