February 2020
Happy Heart Day from the
Department of Watershed Management!

The month of February is American Heart Month. The City of Atlanta encourages citizens to take care of your heart! Drinking lots of water, staying active, tracking your blood pressure and cholesterol, and managing stress can help.
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 election ballot. Reauthorization of the MOST make sense for the City of Atlanta. This is not a new tax; the MOST is reauthorizing the existing 1-cent sales tax on most goods purchased and services performed within the City.
Watershed Crews Stay Busy Keeping Streets and Storm Sewers Clear When Bad Weather Hits
So far in February, weather in Atlanta has been like a rollercoaster - in the span of just a few days, the weather went from the high-70’s to torrential rain to snow flurries. Welcome to winter in Atlanta!
 
But when the precipitation is at its worst, that’s when the Department of Watershed Management Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations crews are at their best. The work to keep the storm sewer system clear is challenging, fast-paced and grueling, especially when rain storms are intense.
 
Take a look at how the Department mobilizes to D o W hat M atters in this “Storyboard” feature produced and written by Keith Whitney, chief content officer for the City of Atlanta.
To see more "Storyboard" features, click here.
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
Rain Barrel & Compost Workshops 2020
Rain barrel and composting workshops are back for 2020! The workshops teach the benefits of using rain barrels for water conservation and stormwater management. Rain barrels provide an additional source of water for shrubs and plants and help to prevent erosion from stormwater runoff. Workshops also include information on building rain gardens.
 
Workshops are held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Water Works Lodge, located at
655 Green St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 .

The workshop fee is $40 (includes a rain barrel and installation kit), which can be paid on-site with cash, check or money order.
 
Please see this year's schedule below.
 
Click here to register for the April Rain Barrel Workshop.
 
Click here to register for the April Compost Workshop.
Rain Barrel Workshops
April 8th
May 6th
June 10th
July 8th
August 5th
September 2nd
Compost Workshops
April 22nd
May 20th
June 24th
July 22nd
August 19th
September 16th
Fire & Life Safety Messages
According to a recent survey conducted by the safety science organization Underwriters' Laboratory (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:
  • reduce fire growth and spread;
  • limit damage to your home/building; and
  • 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 he arings 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.