Our Vision for the Future Requires Capital Improvement
Commissioner Al Wiggins, Jr.
Atlanta’s water system dates back to 1875. Our system predates the installation of the first telephone lines in Atlanta. More than 140 years later, we are working to ensure a sustainable and modern water infrastructure. Today, we supply water to more than 1.2 million people who live, work and visit our city each day. For this reason, it is vitally important that we provide seamless access to high quality, safe drinking water and protect our rivers, creeks and streams.
Watershed Management’s five-year, $1.2 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is the result of a careful assessment of our system’s needs and planning for Atlanta’s future development. Through the projects executed under the CIP, we will achieve our primary goals to improve service delivery, maintain operational efficiency and reliability, improve water quality, enhance public safety and environmental stewardship, ensure continued regulatory compliance and build upon sustainable solutions that make Atlanta a resilient city. Atlanta residents and visitors can trust that our drinking water is treated to a high standard and we are diligently working to protect our environment for future generations.
As Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management, I am committed to making our Department a world-class utility marked by leadership and quality service.
The Department’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) organizes needs for sustaining, restoring and modernizing the facilities and infrastructure that support Atlanta’s water and wastewater systems. The projects identified in the $1.26 billion CIP are prioritized based on the most critical infrastructure needs, and the program provides a framework for the comprehensive delivery of schedules for design and implementation.
The CIP will aid Watershed Management in its efforts to maintain operational efficiency and reliability, improve water quality, protect the environment, reduce sewer overflows, enhance public health and ensure continued regulatory compliance. Watershed Management will begin repair and rehabilitation work on stormwater projects funded by the Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST).
In March 2016, City of Atlanta voters approved the reauthorization of the MOST to help ensure the reliability of the City’s water and sewer infrastructure. Up to 10 percent, or approximately $12.5 million, of MOST revenue annually will fund stormwater projects, allowing for improved water quality, better flood management, the creation of public amenities and compliance with clean water laws.