It’s hard to believe that August is here! It signals the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. In fact, August is National Back to School Month.
In the August issue of News Splash learn about: the Georgia Conservation Assistance Program – offering free installation of green infrastructure projects to Fulton County homeowners; DWM being honored as a finalist to receive the 2020 ULI Urban Open Space Award; Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issues orders to act upon recommendation made by the Use of Force Advisory Council; Be Counted! Complete the 2020 Census; and best practices for keeping your COVID mask clean.
All this and more in this month’s News Splash. Click here to subscribe to the News Splash and get the latest DWM news, initiatives, updates, highlights, and emergency notifications. We also invite you to subscribe to our Capital Improvement Program (CIP) newsletter by clicking here.
Thank you and enjoy this issue of News Splash!
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City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, Department of Parks and Recreation and the Atlanta BeltLine Announced as a Finalist in the 2020 ULI Urban Open Space Award
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On a site described by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as “a barren expanse of cracked concrete, weeds, and towering trees surviving against a background of neglect,” this parcel in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward has been dramatically transformed. A stunning new park grew from the need to address the unglamorous problem of combined sewer overflows in the Clear Creek watershed.
The idea was inspired by neighborhood residents. Rather than adding costly traditional sewer tunnels, the blighted industrial lowland was reimagined as a sustainable green space surrounding a functional stormwater retention pond. The pond is the centerpiece of the new park, which includes walking trails, urban plazas, native plants, and an amphitheater. Design details and sculptural elements disguise engineering solutions by “celebrating” water as it enters the site from each direction. Blending innovative engineering with beautiful and inviting landscape architecture in a public open space, this park is a stunning example of using ingenuity to resolve stormwater issues while enhancing community life. Read full article here.
GACD and Conservation Districts Announce Georgia Conservation
Assistance Program
In urban areas, stormwater runoff is one of the major sources of pollution that impacts watersheds. Green infrastructure practices such as cisterns, dry wells and rain gardens installed in residential areas can reduce the rate of stormwater runoff & water pollution in urban areas all while maintaining a beautiful home exterior.
Georgia Conservation Assistance Program (GCAP) is a partnership between the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), Cobb County Conservation District and Fulton County Conservation District that will fund the installation of green infrastructure practices on residential properties located in Cobb and Fulton County.
GACD and the Conservation Districts are partnering with the University of Georgia to host a free virtual workshop that will provide information on green infrastructure practices and maintenance, and outline the GCAP program and application procedure. This virtual workshop will be held on September 10 at 10 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who participates in the workshop will receive extra points on their GCAP application.
GCAP application period will be open September 10–13, 2020. For more information and to register for the virtual workshop, please visit www.gacd.us/gcap.
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Clean, Safe Running Water – A Vital Resource and a Basic Right |
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There are millions of Americans without safe running water. CBS Correspondent Lee Cowan examines the lives of 21st century Americans with no easy access to water." Watch full CBS story here.
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Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Issues Orders to Act Upon
Use of Force Advisory Council’s 45-day Recommendations
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ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced seven Administrative Orders (AO) after receiving the Mayor’s Use of Force Advisory Council’s 45-day recommendations. The Advisory Council provided 33 recommendations spanning five areas of focus on policing practices: Mission, Vision, Values; Standard Operating Procedures; Governance; Community Partnerships; and Reporting and Transparency.
Read the full press here.
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Be Counted!
Remember to Complete the 2020 Census
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As the nation adjusts to a new normal with COVID-19, the 2020 Census remains as important as ever. An accurate count directly determines equitable representation as well as the federal funding the Cities across metro Atlanta receives. Stand up and be counted. For more information read here.
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Team Watershed at Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Grateful to our Watershed Heroes Doing What Matters!
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Everything You Need to Properly Clean Your Face Mask |
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Masks and other face coverings have become a fact of life for most Americans. As stay-at-home orders are lifted, wearing masks continues to be an important part of protecting against the further spread of COVID-19 — and part of wearing a mask is washing a mask. Brian Sansoni, a senior vice president for communications at the American Cleaning Institute, says that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “reusable cloth face masks and coverings should routinely be washed depending on how often they’re worn.” Read the full article at cnn.com.
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Increased Water Usage and Payment Information During
COVID-19 Pandemic
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During the current COVID-19 public health pandemic and shelter-in-place order, 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.
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Schedule Collection of Bulk Item Pick-Up |
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Stay Safe Outside!
Hydrate... and Avoid Heat Stroke
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Exposure to heat can cause illness and even death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash should also be avoided.
There are precautions you can take any time temperatures are high:
1. While outside this summer, drink as much water as possible. The Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) advises one pint of water per hour during the day’s warmest times.
2. Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Excess layers or articles that fit too tightly prevent proper blood cooling. Also, light colored clothing will absorb less heat than darker pieces.
3. Avoid strenuous activity in the warmest weather and identify shaded areas and cool spots for when you feel overheated.
Avoiding heat stroke begins with conditioning your body for hot temperatures. Hydration is key to proper sweat and cool down, so fill up before, during and after you go out.
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City of Atlanta Water and Sewer Appeals Board |
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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/adjust-dispute-appeal-my-bill/.
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Does DWM Have Your Correct Contact Information? |
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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.
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