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Rob Hunter
Commissioner
Bio
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We have a new website. Please click here to go to www.AtlantaWatershed.org for in-depth Department information.
Drought and Water Conservation Information and Links
Melinda Langston, Director of the Water Conservation Program, at 404.546.1259 or email mlangston@atlantaga.gov.
The Department of Watershed Management is dedicated to providing the highest quality drinking water and wastewater services to residential, businesses and wholesale customers at the lowest possible cost, while protecting urban waterways, conserving natural resources, and providing clean, safe water for downstream customers. Click here for our values.
Created by Mayor Shirley Franklin in September 2002, the Department of Watershed Management is dedicated to providing the highest quality drinking water and wastewater services to City of Atlanta businesses and residents and to its wholesale customers at the lowest possible cost, while protecting urban waterways, conserving natural resources, and providing clean, safe water for downstream customers. Led by Commissioner Rob Hunter, the Department has responsibility for the City’s drinking water and wastewater systems. It is currently midway into the $3.9 billion Clean Water Atlanta Program, a complete overhaul of the City’s water and sewer infrastructure.
The Department encompasses the commissioner’s office and the bureaus of Drinking Water, Wastewater Treatment and Collection, Engineering Services, Financial Administration, Management, Watershed Protection, Program Performance and Customer Relations.
Vision
Atlanta will be THE leader of the water resources industry - serving our customers, protecting our watersheds and improving the environment.
Mission
Ensure professional stewardship of Atlanta's drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
Deliver excellent customer service.
Protect the present and enhance the future of the region's water resources and public health.
Improve the environment while supporting economic development.
To read about the drought and water conservation information. Click here
To read about the current water restrictions. Click here
To read about new water and sewer rate information for 2007. Click here
To read our new Water Quality Report for 2006. Click here
To read the Performance Report March 2006. Click here
To read our Six-Month Performance Report January - June 2005. Click here
To read our Fourth Quarter 2004 Performance Report. Click here
Office of the Commissioner
Robert Hunter - Commissioner
With responsibility for strategic planning and oversight for the operations of water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment services, and stormwater management, the Office of the Commissioner ensures that the City complies with all federal and state regulations regarding water resource management; identifies potential environmental issues and develops strategies to effectively respond; ensures the City is aware of proposed environmental standards, trends and technologies; and provides engineering reviews and design and construction management services on capital improvement projects. The Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the following Bureaus and offices: Bureaus of Wastewater Treatment & Collection, Drinking Water, Management, Engineering, Watershed Protection, Financial Administration, Program Performance, Safety and Security, Human Resouces, Buried Asset Management and Customer Relations.
Bureau of Drinking Water
Chris Hebberd - Deputy Commissioner, Chris.Hebberd@atlwater.com
The Bureau of Drinking Water, under Deputy Commissioner Chris Hebberd, oversees all aspects of the water system, including raw water supply, treatment, distribution and water quality compliance. The Bureau currently is implementing an automated meter reading program, providing for regular testing and repair of large meters, and expanding water service repairs, all of which will positively affect service delivery and water and wastewater revenues.
Bureau of Wastewater Treatment and Collection
David St. Pierre - Deputy Commissioner, dstpierre@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment and Collection is responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the City’s four wastewater treatment plants, four combined sewer overflow treatment facilities, 16 pump stations and the City’s more than 1,500 miles of sanitary and combined sewers. Headed by Deputy Commissioner Dave St. Pierre, the bureau’s responsibilities include meeting National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements at all permitted wastewater treatment facilities and CSOs with a goal of zero permit violations, as well as compliance with Consent Decree and other state/federal environmental mandates.
Bureau of Engineering Services
George Barnes - Deputy Commissioner, gbarnes@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Engineering Services is responsible for overall management of the Department’s capital improvement program, including design and construction projects to comply with the City’s Consent Decrees and Administrative Orders, as well as other improvements to the City's water and sewer systems. Under Deputy Commissioner George Barnes, the Bureau provides design services and consultant/project management services, and is responsible for controlling construction costs and quality. It also provides technology services (computer hardware, software, web-based applications), has responsibility for implementation of the Department’s geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) functions, and water and sewer hydraulic modeling, and interacts with the City’s Information Technology personnel.
Bureau of Financial Administration
Sammy Goodson - Deputy Commissioner, sgoodson@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Financial Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Sammy Goodson, provides centralized financial and administrative support to the Department. The Bureau is responsible for preparing, evaluating and monitoring the Department’s budget, including monthly reporting on actual-to-budgeted revenues and expenses. It also provides support for the department’s capital financing program, including coordination with the City’s Finance Department for issuance of revenue bonds, tax-exempt commercial paper, and loans with the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). In addition, the Bureau conducts various financial, operational, regulatory, and compliance audit reviews and examinations for the Department and is responsible for daily accounts payable, accounts receivable and monitoring the overall financial condition of the Department of Watershed Management.
Bureau of Program Performance
Debra Henson - Deputy Commissioner, dahenson@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Program Performance, headed by Deputy Commissioner Debra Henson, oversees the Department’s billing and collection systems, its meter applications, reading and repair crews, the change management and strategic planning initiatives and all customer service functions. This includes operation of the Customer Call Center and the Customer Information System (i.e., CIS or billing system).
Bureau of Management
Sheila Pierce - Deputy Commissioner, scpierce@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Management provides leadership, coordination and oversight of the business systems used within the department to ensure delivery of services. In addition to managing the department’s legislative process, it has principal responsibility for the inter-jurisdictional relationships with the 10 city and county governments to which the Department provides water and/or sewer services. Led by Deputy Commissioner Sheila Pierce, the Bureau oversees all public outreach and public participation programs, and exercises responsibility for the Department’s procurement and contracting activities and its external communications, including media-related functions.
Bureau of Watershed Protection
Sally Mills, Deputy Commissioner, smills@atlantaga.gov
The Bureau of Watershed Protection has responsibility for the City’s Grease Management, greenspace protection, streambank stabilization, flood prevention, erosion control and land development regulation programs. Led by Deputy Commissioner Sally Mills, it is currently overseeing development of a stormwater utility.
Important News!
New Water/Sewer Rates
On January 9, 2004, new water and sewer rates for Atlanta ratepayers took effect. Rates were projected to increase about 45% per year in 2004 and 2005, 18% in 2006 (for largest users)
and about 11% per year in 2007 and 2008.
Because of voter support for the Municipal Option Sales Tax and funds from state revolving loans, the City of Atlanta is announcing a reduction in the legislated rate increase for 2006.
• The City’s fiscal year will change from January - December to July - June beginning in July 2006. New rates will go into effect on July 1, 2006 to coincide with the new fiscal year.
• The 3-ccf minimum-use charge no longer applies. Instead, water and sewer customers will pay a $6 base rate; customers outside the City limit receiving water services only will pay a $3 base rate.
• Single-metered, multi-family dwellings can now take advantage of the conservation rate.
For more details are, click here.
Read about our new customer service initiative. Click here.
New Water and Sewer Accounts
To start or end your water/sewer account. Click here
Online Bill Payments and Payment Locations
Over the last year, the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has undertaken several initiatives designed to make its customer service system more efficient and friendly.
To read our press release. Click here
Frequently Asked Questions about online water/sewer bill payments. Click here
To make your water/sewer bills payments online. Click here
To find a payment location near you. Click here