December 2020
WINTER IS HERE
Fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on the City’s infrastructure. The change in weather can cause ground shifts, which puts pressure on water mains & sewer lines, and can lead to ruptures. To learn more, watch our PSA at
http://bit.ly/PrepareforColdTemps. If you see running water on your street, please call NotifyATL311 at 404-546-0311.

Also, watch the necessary precautions you can take during freezing temperatures to protect your pipes at http://bit.ly/WinterizeYourPipes. Insulating your pipes and disconnecting your water hose can help prevent your pipes from bursting and save you money from costly repairs. For more information, please visit our
website www.atlantwatershed.org and follow us on social media at ATLWatershed.
Have you experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19?

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the expansion of City of Atlanta COVID-19 Housing Emergency Assistance Program housing assistance available to Atlanta residents who have been impacted by COVID-19. In addition to rent, utility and security deposit assistance, the City will now offer mortgage relief.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is approved by the federally mandated deadline of December 30, 2020.

Eligibility requirements have been amended and eligible households may now receive up to $5,000 of assistance. Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify:

  • provide proof of COVID-19 impact on finances
  • live within Incorporated city limits of Atlanta
  • meet household income guidelines
  • provide valid ID
  • provide proof of rent, mortgage and/or utility bills

Prior applicants are encouraged to reapply for assistance. To apply or receive additional information visit https://relief.uwga.org/ or dial 211 or text C19-ERA (inside Atlanta City limits).
This Holiday Season
Keep Your Pipes Fog-Free

Did you know that more than half of sanitary sewer spills in Atlanta are caused by grease? Fats, oils and greases, or FOG, can clog sewers and contribute to overflows that pollute streams and rivers. Substances that go down drains smoothly when warmed by hot water will cool, harden and coat the insides of sewer pipes. This accumulation of grease leads to blockages, which can cause sanitary sewer overflows in homes and into the waterways.

Pay attention to what you pour into the sink and garbage disposals. Sources of FOG include cooking oil, dairy products, meat fats, salad dressing and mayonnaise. Even chocolate, gravy and butter can harden and cause backups.

Do your part to keep your pipes FOG- free this holiday season by placing your leftover oils in a can, scraping leftover food directly into the trash, or wiping greasy pots and pans before washing. To learn more about FOG and our Grease Management Program, visit www. atlantawatershed.org, and watch our PSA at bit.ly/FOGFighters.
Holiday Solid Waste Services Schedule
Friday, December 25, 2020
No collections. One-day delayed
collection remainder of the week:

Friday collections picked up
Saturday, December 26th

Friday, January 1, 2021
No collections. One-day delayed
collection remainder of the week:

Friday collections picked up
Saturday, January 2nd
Please call ATL 311 or 404-546-0311 for questions about Public Works services
Increased Water Usage and Payment Information During
COVID-19 Pandemic

During the current COVID-19 public health pandemic and shelter-in-place recommendations, you may experience increased water consumption as you find yourself running the dishwasher and washing machine more frequently and doing more household chores. This may result in an increased water bill.

If you are having difficulty making payments, you may qualify for assistance. Please visit www.atlantawatershed.org/care-and-conserve/ for more details. If you would like to make payment arrangements, please call ATL311 at 404-536-0311, and a customer service representative will be able to assist you.

Our Walk-in Centers are closed to the public, but there are alternative methods to pay your water and sewer bill: Western Union; online payments at payatlwateronline.com; Atlanta City Hall Drop Box; or mail checks to City of Atlanta, P.O. Box 105275, Atlanta, GA 30348. For more information, go to www.atlantawatershed.org/increased-water-usage-during-covid-19-pandemic/.
Help Keep Our Catch Basins Clean Through the
Adopt-A-Drain Program
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management’s Adopt-A-Drain program helps improve the quality of stormwater within the city’s watersheds, as well as 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 or to sign up, please call 404-546-1411 or send an email to tlawson@atlantaga.gov.
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 154-29 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. Visit https://www.atlantawatershed.org/appeals/.
Stay in the Know Even on the Go!

Get emergency notifications on any mobile device and choose the alerts you want to receive. From water utility notifications to public safety to road closures and severe weather, the alerts will be right at your fingertips. Sign up for NotifyATL at http://bit.ly/Notify-ATL, or text NotifyATL to 888777.
You can also receive DWM emergency notifications by subscribing to our News Splash External Newsletter, which also provides information on the latest department news and initiatives at https://conta.cc/3jOKdCc.
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.