City of Atlanta Determined to Set Water Conservation Standard
As the City of Atlanta continues to promote a message of water conservation, Mayor Shirley Franklin has put pen to paper in a letter to stakeholders to consider the region’s limited access to fresh water and show how the City is setting an example with its long-term conservation efforts.
Atlanta is the largest major city in the United States not built near a large body of water. Most of the metro region depends on the relatively small Chattahoochee River to supply water to this population. Conservation of this limited resource is not only critical to the short-term problem of the drought, but the long-term issue of a sustainable water supply for future generations.
The City has aggressively attacked the issue of water conservation since 2003 with conservation water pricing, and most notably, the $3.9 billion Clean Water Atlanta water and sewer system overhaul.
Most of the city’s water and sewer lines were laid in the late 1800s and are now old, leaking or broken. Under the Clean Water Atlanta program, $1 billion was set aside to replace/repair water mains and meters and identify/repair leaks in the system. This was not mandated by the federal courts as part of the program - it was a conscious effort by the City to be good stewards of its resources.
The City has repaired almost 8,000 leaks in 2007 alone, averaging 800 leaks per year. This is in comparison to 700 per month when the water system was operated privately.
Atlanta is also taking a long-term approach to water supply. In 2006, the City purchased the Vulcan Quarry in Northwest Atlanta with intents on converting it into a two-billion-gallon reservoir.
The City has also enacted several initiatives designed to help our customers conserve. Among those are: a $1 million ultra-low-flow toilet rebate in cooperation with Home Depot and the Atlanta Regional Commission; a contract with an engineering firm to help fund water audits for large users; a conservation workshop for our 50 largest users; and new policies on landscaping (one 30-day exemption per property per year) and pools (can be permitted but not filled).
“Atlanta is determined to set an example with its conservation efforts,” said Mayor Franklin. “We are spending the money and taking the necessary action to help ensure clean, safe drinking water for our children and grandchildren well into the future.”
What Are You Doing To Conserve Water? Click Here For Conservation Tips From The City Of Atlanta.
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Funding to Replace Damaged Water Pipes Available for Low-Income Residents
The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) Care and Conserve Program has begun offering funding assistance to low-income families whose sewer laterals – the lines that run from the home to the City’s sewer – are clogged, broken or otherwise damaged.
Damaged or clogged sewer pipes can lead to sewer backups. Repairs of damaged sewer lines are essential to prevent mold, mildew and other problems. Additionally, broken sewer lines waste water, a serious issue in the state’s Level 4 drought.
The City is responsible for maintaining the sewer and drain lines located in the public right-of-way, but has no responsibility for private property. This program allows the City to provide assistance on private property in the interests of public health and safety.
To be eligible, water customers must:
- Fall at or below the federal poverty guidelines.
- Own the property that sits atop the clogged or damaged lateral.
- Be current with their water/sewer bills.
- Have not previously received assistance through this program.
For more information, call 404.885.1877.
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Mayor’s Breakfast Roundtable: Women and Atlanta’s Environmental Movement
Last week, a panel of environmental professionals, experts and activists joined Mayor Shirley Franklin in the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss how women are shaping the environmental movement in Atlanta.
Representatives from the City of Atlanta Sustainability Initiative, Georgia Organics, GreenLaw, and the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper provided statistics, updates and opportunities for involvement in Atlanta’s “green” movement. “This roundtable helps to bring a gender lens on ways to be good stewards of our earth,” said Stephanie Davis, AWA policy advisor.
With Mayor Franklin at the helm, the City of Atlanta has proven that women not only can - but do - make positive long-term impacts on the environment. In 2006, the City unveiled a Sustainability Initiative, which maps a plan that considers the health of the city and the region for the next hundred years.
Under the long-term Sustainability initiative is the monumental $3.9 billion Clean Water Atlanta program; the Connect Atlanta Transportation Plan; and incentive-based Recycling and Green Building programs. For more information on Greener Atlanta programs, click here.
Each quarter, the Atlanta Women’s Agenda (AWA) – an initiative of the City of Atlanta – presents a roundtable discussion that focuses on women’s responses to issues that affect our community. For more information, visit www.womensagenda.com.
Mayor Franklin joins Stephanie Davis (standing) and a panel of environmental experts, professionals and activists for a roundtable discussion on how women are shaping Atlanta’s environmental movement in the City Hall Council Chambers. |
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Pay It Forward: Volunteers Needed to Mentor Former Homeless Residents
The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) New Beginnings program is seeking volunteers to mentor formerly homeless residents who are currently in transitional housing and seeking gainful employment.
On Saturday November 17 from 8 am – 12 pm, potential volunteers can meet with New Beginnings participants and hear their stories at the Hands on Atlanta headquarters. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If accepted, you will be trained to serve as a year-round mentor. Criteria for participation include a willingness to give time and provide encouraging, applicable and supportive advice.
New Beginnings provides job search support and direction to individuals who have been identified as long-term homeless. The program serves residents who have been homeless for one year or more and have employment barriers including mental illness, substance abuse and/or a felony background. To be eligible for program participation, individuals must have a referral from a transitional homes case manager, previously secured housing with a partner agency, and demonstrate a willingness to obtain employment.
Visit www.handsonatlanta.org and click “Help the Homeless” to Register for Saturday November 17. Click Here for a New Beginnings Success Story.
New Beginnings participant Laura Cooper (center) with AWDA staff members Jennifer Moore (left) and Timi Ogunmekan (right). Laura found gainful employment through the New Beginnings program. |
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The City of Atlanta is taking another step toward being a world-class city. In order to meet the demands of our population growth and improve quality of life for all Atlantans, the city is undertaking the first Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The Connect Atlanta Plan was launched last week during a news conference and panel discussion. Click here to go to our video on demand page for more information.
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Rave Reviews!
- Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) – the world’s busiest airport – are in good hands, thanks to the efforts of the Atlanta Fire Rescue (AFR) department. AFR recently successfully resuscitated a 65-year-old airport passenger in cardiac arrest. Lieutenant Jackie Malcom and Fire Apparatus Operator Larry Pullen were on the scene of an EMS call concourse “E” when they were notified that a man had passed out near the baggage carousel. FAO Pullen quickly responded and discovered that bystanders had begun CPR on the unconscious victim. Utilizing one of the Automated External Defibrillators, which are located throughout the airport, FAO Pullen quickly delivered a life-saving cardiac shock to the patient. He was then joined by Lt. Malcom and both continued to administer medical care to the patient. The passenger regained consciousness on the scene and was transported to South Fulton Medical Center for further treatment. The combined efforts of bystander CPR and the early intervention of Advanced Cardiac Life Support resulted in the dramatic save of a potentially deadly cardiac arrest.
AFR Lt. Jackie Malcom (left) and FAO Larry Pullen (right) help to resuscitate a potentially deadly cardiac arrest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. |
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
- On Saturday November 17 from 8 – 10 am, Mayor Shirley Franklin and Keep Atlanta Beautiful will celebrate Atlanta Recycles Day with the first-ever “5K Mayor-thon: Race 2 Recycle” at Isabel Gates Webster Park. In addition to the 5K and other “green” activities, Mayor Franklin will introduce the City’s new incentive-based recycling initiative, CurbCycle Atlanta, and unveil plans for a new recycled, rubberized jogging track at Isabel Gates Webster Park. Entry fee is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event. For more information, visit www.atlantaga.gov.
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Job Announcements
With the City of Atlanta’s online application system, you are able to create an account and select a Username and Password and then log in to your account.
After your account has been established, you can create an application by clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. Once your application is completed, it will be stored in the system and can be used to apply for future job openings. To get started by viewing current open positions, click here.
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Weekly Features
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