Feb. 9, 2017
2017: New Year, New and Improved DWM
It’s a new year, and with that, we’ve got a lot of big goals for 2017. We’ve got new leadership with Commissioner Kishia Powell, Assistant Commissioner Calvin Farr and Chief Administrative Officer Andrada Butler, but what else is happening?
Addressing Our Backlog: In order to provide quality assurance and quality control, we’ve enlisted the help of contractors to assist in the backlog of work orders. What does that mean? We’ll have more boots on the ground to assist our 1.8 million customers. In addition to reviewing work orders, we also are using extra crews to help with main breaks, water leaks and hydrant repairs.
Water Meter Registers: Over time, water meter registers slow down and can become ineffective. To ensure the accuracy of our billing, DWM is in the process of replacing registers. To date, we’ve replaced more than 19,000 registers, and we’re continuing to replace 400-500 a month as needed. What does this mean for our customers? You may see an increase in their bills due to the improved accuracy of the read and/or a transition from estimated billing.
Capital Improvement Program: We’re well underway with our $1 billion Capital Improvement Program. With more than 70 projects across the city, dirt is moving, infrastructure is being upgraded, and we’re making the moves necessary to not only serve our current population, but also accommodate anticipated future growth of our city over then next decade. This spring, we’ll be breaking ground on the Boone Boulevard and Cook Park projects. Learn more about the CIP by clicking here.
Water Supply Program: Driller Mike is steadily making his way toward the Chattahoochee River to secure Atlanta’s water future. But without drop shafts for the pump stations, we can’t get water out of the tunnel. That’s why we’re currently blasting almost daily at the quarry, and in March, we’ll begin blasting at the R.M. Clayton location. Learn more about our progress at h2o4atl.com or by following Driller Mike on Twitter @Driller_Mike.
DWM Strategic Plan: We’ve got a lot of projects going on, so to ensure that we’re best meeting the needs of our employees and customers, we’re building our three-year roadmap. The DWM strategic plan will be launched at the end of March.
Level 2 Drought Continues: The City of Atlanta is still under the Level 2 drought declaration. Please remember that outdoor watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. on the following days:
• Even-numbered addresses and properties without numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursday and Sunday.
Pick up a free water saver kit at any City of Atlanta fire station. Water saver kits help reduce water consumption and save money on your monthly bill.
