JANUARY 2020
Happy New Year from the Department of
Watershed Management!
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is committed to performing its core functions in a manner that meets the needs of our customers by ensuring access to safe, clean drinking water while investing in infrastructure to improve our resilience, making operations more efficient and facilitating the continued growth and economic prosperity of the City and the region we serve. To that end, DWM is investing $1.26 billion in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades under the Capital Improvement Program. As we approach a new year, we are proud to share that no violations have been reported at our Hemphill and Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plants and both facilities report 100 percent EPD compliance. Our commitment to Doing What Matters includes striving to understand our customer’s needs and delivering on our promises.  In 2019, we launched our Strategic Plan 2022: A One Water Vision, which serves as a roadmap to achieve our vision of being a leading utility in innovation, service and value. Read the plan! Go to https:// www.atlantawatershed.org/sp2022/ .
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Receives High Honors from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals and Atlanta City Council
Atlanta – Congratulations to The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) for receiving five prestigious awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP). Three of the honors were awarded to DWM’s Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations (OLIO) and the Office of Water Treatment and Reclamation (OWTR). These included the Wastewater Collection System Gold Excellence Award, the Water Distribution System Gold Excellence Award
and the GAWP Safety Award (Water and Wastewater); each recognizing the DWM divisions for exemplar management and best operated facilities in the state of Georgia. Deputy Commissioners Darren Boykin and Quinton Fletcher were on hand to accept these prestigious awards.

“I congratulate the entire DWM team on receiving the GAWP awards. Our employees work tremendously hard 24/7 to maintain our water system,” said DWM Commissioner Kishia L. Powell. “We are committed to serving 1.2 million customers every day and we do it in tremendous fashion. Water utilities from around the world come to visit our Department to see how we are doing what we do. I am honored to lead the nearly 1,400 water employees who keep our system operating day in and day out.”

The Golden Manhole Society Award was presented to DWM Assistant Commissioner Mikita Browning. She was inducted into the Society for her significant contribution to the art and science of Collection System Operations, as well as her service to GAWP and to the Georgia Water Environment. Finally, the GAWP Customer Service Award was given to Erica Gordon-Roberts for demonstrating excellence in customer service and utilizing innovation to develop an efficient operational process resulting in a positive and memorable experience for the customer.
The Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST) Requires Reauthorization
The Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST) requires reauthorization and will appear on the March 24, 2020 presidential primary ballot. The MOST is a 1-cent sales tax on most goods purchased and services performed within the City.

Impact of the MOST if it is not authorized
  • Risks of violating federal consent decree requirement ($ penalties, development moratorium, environmental harm)
  • DWM would be forced to raise rates by approximately 25%
  • Capital improvements could be delayed or eliminated, impacting public health, safety and security as well as economic development
  • System maintenance could be deferred
DWM Invites You to Volunteer in the Adopt-A-Drain Program
DWM’s Adopt-A-Drain program helps to improve the quality of stormwater within the City of Atlanta’s watersheds. The program also keeps the City informed about infrastructure maintenance needs. The Adopt-A-Drain program encourages volunteers to adopt a storm drain in or near their neighborhood, commit to cleaning the drain of leaves and other debris and then monitor the condition of that drain for the duration of the adoption. Volunteers will receive training and a storm drain cleaning supply kit. For more information, visit www.atlantawatershed.org/adoptadrain, or call 404-546-1411.
Watershed's Adopt-A-Drain PSA
Tips on How to Protect Your Pipes During Freezing Temperatures


Now that we are in the midst of the winter season, there is a risk that temperatures underground could drop below freezing. Here are a few tips from DWM to help protect your home from freezing pipes, costly main breaks and clogged storm drains.
Fire & Life Safety Messages
According to a recent survey conducted by the safety science organization UL, nearly 60% of people sleep with their bedroom door open. That simple choice could mean life or death in the event of a house fire, as a closed door can slow the spread of flames, reduce toxic smoke, improve oxygen levels, and decrease temperatures.

Close Your Door:
A door is one of the best pieces of firefighting equipment. It can:
  • reduces fire growth and spread.
  • limit damage to your home/building.
  •  save lives.

Remember:
  • Close the bedroom door when sleeping.
  • Close doors behind you when escaping a room or building that is on fire.
  •  Keep fire doors closed. Never wedge, disable, or prop open fire doors.
City of Atlanta Water and Sewer Appeals Board
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your billing dispute or adjustment request, an appeal to the City of Atlanta Water and Sewer Appeals Board may be requested per City Ordinance Section 154-28 within seven days of the Department of Watershed Management’s dispute resolution decision. The Water and Sewer Appeals Board is a group of citizens appointed by the Atlanta City Council to conduct hearings to review the dispute. You have a right to an appeal only after your bill has gone through the formal dispute process and a decision has been rendered.
Does DWM Have Your Correct Contact Information?
Do you have a new email address or phone number? Do you want to receive DWM emergency notifications by phone, email or both?

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is doing what matters. We want to be able to reach you with information you need to know.

Please click here to ensure that we have your correct contact information for our database and let us know your communication preferences.