NOVEMBER 2019
Department of Watershed Management’s Innovative Use of Permeable Roadways to Solve Flooding
By Watershed employee, Cory Rayburn

The City of Atlanta has embraced the use of green infrastructure on multiple fronts as a means of water quality improvement, flood reduction, and combined sewer capacity relief. Early adoption of runoff reduction standards for private development has led to over 5,500 sites installing green infrastructure practices such as bioretention, permeable pavement, and infiltration systems. On the planning level, the Department of Watershed Management’s (DWM) Green Infrastructure Strategic Action Plan has provided a roadmap for integrating green infrastructure strategies into decision-making processes. Environmental Impact Bonds (EIB) have been incorporated into the City’s funding efforts for implementing both natural and engineered green infrastructure within historically impacted watersheds. Much of the City’s recent successes in green infrastructure implementation is rooted in decisions made in 2012 that led to one of the largest regional green infrastructure projects in North America.

Mid-summer 2012 brought intense storms to the historic neighborhoods in southeast Atlanta that are served by the City’s combined sewer system. Much of downtown Atlanta, including a major intersection of interstates, Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field), and a sea of parking lots, drains down through these residential areas. In July of 2012, back-to-back rain events (10-yr and 25-yr storms) wreaked havoc on the neighborhood called Peoplestown. These rain events caused major surface flooding and combined sewer surcharges in low areas.

City leadership responded to the impacted citizens immediately and committed resources to develop innovative solutions that would reduce the chances of future flooding. As a result, the City formerly developed the Southeast Atlanta Green Infrastructure Initiative , a combination of both gray and green solutions to provide sewer capacity relief and localized flood reduction. This catalytic strategy focused on developing projects to mimic the natural hydrology in this now built-out watershed. Knowing the extent of the problem and the City’s commitment to a rapid response, the City phased the initiative.

To read the full article click here .
DWM Trick or Treatment Tour and Fall Festival
Has Been Cancelled
Due to unforeseen circumstances, DWM Trick or Treatment Tour and Fall Festival has been cancelled for November 14, 2019. Thank you so much for your support and please have a safe and enjoyable rest of the year.
High Honors for DWM’s Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations
Congratulations to Deputy Commissioner Darren Boykin and the entire team of DWM’s Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations (OLIO) for being awarded the 2019 Gold Distribution System Excellence Award. This honor, which is given by Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), recognizes excellence in management, operation, and maintenance of their water distribution systems.
Department of Watershed Management Accepts Municipal Leadership MVP Award
Atlanta - Last week, DWM Commissioner Kishia L. Powel, along with Deputy Commissioner Quinton Fletcher accepted the Municipal Leadership MVP Award, presented by the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge, for DWM’s innovative strides in energy and water efficiency.

Each year, in support of the initiative’s efforts, the ABBC selects eight out of over 450 local facilities as “MVP Award” honorees to celebrate and formally acknowledge their achievements. The MVP Award in Municipal Leadership was presented to DWM Wednesday following the announcement of a new, 15-year partnership to implement upgrades at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant.

The Hemphill Water Treatment Plant supplies approximately 65 percent of all drinking water consumed by Atlantans. The city’s oldest and largest water treatment facility, Hemphill produces more than 136 million gallons of water daily for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers within the City of Atlanta and much of Fulton County.

As one of the nation’s most energy-efficient facilities, since participating in the ABBC, the Hemphill Water treatment plant has reduced usage by more than 40 percent and prevented more than 11,000 metrics tons of greenhouse gases.
Staffed 24/7, the plant does all of this with extreme efficiency. The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge has recognized the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant as a top performer consecutively since 2013. This year Hemphill has continued this trend with a 51 percent savings in energy.

Saving 1.7 billion gallons of water each year, the plant upgrades will be funded largely by $107 million in savings attributed to improved energy performance.
Cold Temperatures are Here – Watch this PSA on How to Protect Your Pipes During Freezing Temperature
Please take the necessary precautions during freezing temperatures to protect your pipes. Insulating your pipes and disconnecting your water hose can help prevent your pipes from bursting and save you money from costly repairs.
Fallen Leaves Can Cause Clogged Storm Drains
As the seasons change and leaves begin to fall, DWM reminds you to properly dispose of leaves and yard waste by bagging, mulching or composting. Leaves and yard waste disposed into storm drains or catch basins can force clogs and increase the probability of street and yard flooding. Yard trimmings are collected as part of the city's solid waste collection service. Please remove leaves from covered catch basins near your home and call 404-546-0311.
DWM Invites You to Participate in the Adopt-A-Drain Program
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management has launched an Adopt-A-Drain program to help improve the quality of stormwater within the City of Atlanta’s watersheds as well as to keep the City informed about infrastructure maintenance needs. The Adopt-A-Drain program encourages volunteers to adopt a storm drain in or near their neighborhoods, 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.
Solid Waste November Holiday Collection Schedule

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - Thanksgiving Day
Solid Waste Services will observe a 2-day delayed collection schedule.
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.