City of Atlanta Joins Partnership for Safe Water
DWM recently announced its participation in the Partnership for Safe Water, a national volunteer initiative that seeks to help water utilities improve local water supply reliability and water quality.
Developed by leading water engineers, scientists, and utility operations and management experts, the Partnership uses proven self-assessment optimization methods to identify and improve operations. Sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the program is supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and five (5) other water organizations striving to provide optimum quality drinking water. DWM joins more than 250 water utilities in the program, which includes a rigorous review of water operation practices developed by national experts, and a four-step, self-assessment and peer-review process.
“Our goal is to continually strive to improve our operations and water quality,” said Quinton Fletcher, DWM Deputy Commissioner of the Office Water Treatment and Reclamation. “Participating in the Partnership for Safe Water will provide us the opportunity to evaluate our water system operations, maintenance procedures, management practices, and identify areas where system operations can be enhanced.”
As members of the Partnership, utilities make a pledge to their communities to improve system operations to reduce the risk of exposure to microbial contaminants and enhance system reliability. DWM will provide customers with continuous updates on it's progress in the program.
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As you make plans to reopen your buildings and or businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) would like to remind you of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for “Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation.” The guidelines provide guidance for the safety and well-being of you and your customers.
During the pandemic, DWM has remained committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to our customers. However, a temporary shutdown or reduced operation of a building can result in reductions in water use, creating hazards once occupants return.
According to the CDC, stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other bacteria. Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectant, such as chlorine. When water is stagnant, the use of hot water temperatures ranging from (77–108°F, 25–42°C) can decrease Legionella growth.
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Have Fun and Stay Safe by Following CDC Recommendations
Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading the COVID-19 virus. The CDC offers several safer, alternative ways for family and friends to participate in Halloween celebrations.
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
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Important General Election Dates |
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Dates Early Voting:
October 12 – October 30
Saturday Voting:
October 17 & 24
Sunday Voting:
October 18 & 25
General Election Day:
Tues., November 3, 2020
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Look for the Community Land Trust Referendum
on the November 3rd General Election Ballot
Property taxes are increasing as property values continue to rise across the city. Increased property taxes can be a barrier to attaining/maintaining homeownership, especially for low and moderate-income households and seniors. While other residents qualify for homestead exemptions, the low and moderate-income homeowners of Community Land Trust (CLT) single-family homes currently do not have access to such exemptions.
The referendum will create a $30,000 exemption for these homeowners, making homeownership more affordable for low- and moderate-income families who buy their homes through community land trusts.
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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. |
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Help Keep Our Catch Basins Clean Through the
Adopt-A-Drain Program
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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.
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Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Extends Administrative Orders Related to COVID-19 for 60 Days
ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms reissued Administrative and Executive Orders to assist Atlanta residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be executed for an additional sixty days through October 31, 2020.
Administrative Order 2020-39 directs the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) to refrain from taking any action which would result in the termination of water services to any DWM customer due to non-payment through October 31, 2020. To read full press release, click here.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Atlanta has transitioned to Phase II of the City’s Five Phase Reopening Plan. The transition to Phase II is effective immediately. Click here to read the full press release.
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Have you experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19?
If you are a City of Atlanta resident, you may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 for rent, utility bills or rental deposit through the Atlanta COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Get help today!
- Access the application by visiting www.unitedwayatlanta.org;
- Text the keyword C19-ERA to 898-211 to be directed to the application page; or
- Call 2-1-1 to speak with a live agent week days, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
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Schedule Collection of Bulk Item Pick-Up |
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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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Nature’s Gold: Don’t touch those leaves!
Tired of raking and bagging leaves? Don’t! It may just be the best thing you can do for your trees. In nature, fallen leaves blanket tree roots, protecting them from extreme cold in winter and drying heat in summer. Atlanta’s trees help remove pollutants from the air, reduce flooding, and make our city more beautiful. That’s why the tree protection ordinance requires that you obtain a permit before removing trees (including hardwoods ≥6 inches and pines ≥12 inches in diameter).
Permits for dead, dying, or hazardous trees are free of charge online at www.atlantaga.gov (Dept. of City Planning, Arborist Division) or 404.330-6874. |
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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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