Water operations review in GA county seeks cost savings, customer service improvements

GA's DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management will undergo a comprehensive and independent review of its water and wastewater operations to help the county identify cost savings and improve customer service.
March 18, 2014
2 min read
Add Us On Google


CHICAGO, IL, March 18, 2014 -- Through a new partnership, the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) in the state of Georgia will undergo a comprehensive and independent review of its water and wastewater operations to help the county identify cost savings and improve customer service.

DWM hired Veolia Environnement, an environmental and water services and technology provider, to conduct the four-month-long evaluation to recommend these efficiencies and potentially save an estimated $8 million annually for DeKalb ratepayers, reducing costs and helping mitigate rate increases.

The partnership is also expected to improve customer service and reduce wait times for customers. A thorough review of the utility's administration, planning, operations, maintenance and capital programs, customer service, and billing and collections will also occur.

In partnering with Veolia, DeKalb County has selected a consulting model currently being used in Pittsburgh, New York City and Washington, D.C. Known as Peer Performance Solutions (PPS), this model blends a public workforce and embedded private-sector experts to deliver sustainable best practices that accelerate innovation and efficiency improvements at public utilities.

Following its initial assessment, Veolia will work with DWM to implement county-approved operations and management initiatives that will achieve measurable operational, revenue and organizational enhancements to ultimately reduce operating costs and improve service levels, allowing DWM to provide more efficient and sustainable services.

DWM provides services to 700,000 residents in the Atlanta metropolitan region through its system of water treatment and distribution, customer service, and wastewater collection and treatment.

About DeKalb County

DeKalb County is Georgia's third largest county, with more than 700,000 residents calling it home. Known for its business and education hub, growing international community and natural wonders, DeKalb County Government is administered by Interim Chief Executive Officer Lee May and legislative policy is set by a seven member Board of Commissioners. For more information, visit
www.dekalbwatershed.com.

About Veolia Environnement

Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE and NYSE: VE) is the worldwide reference in environmental solutions. With 220,000 employees, the company has operations all around the world and provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of municipal and industrial customers in three complementary segments: water management, waste management and energy management. Veolia Environnement recorded revenue of $31 billion in 2013. For more information, vist www.veolia.com

###

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Related

ATLANTA -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and EPA Southeast Regional Administrator Mary Walker announced a $265 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to DeKalb County, Georgia, for upgrades to its aging wastewater collection and treatment system. This project will help eliminate sanitary sewer overflows, improving water quality in the South River Watershed and better protecting the public. DeKalb County will use EPA’s WIFIA loan to assess and rehabilitate the highest priority areas of its sewer system infrastructure. Upgrades will include sewer replacement, trunk sewer upsizing, full or partial length sewer lining, and related activities at various locations within the county. The project will help eliminate sanitary sewer overflows to better protect public health and the environment in the county. “EPA is acting on its commitment to infrastructure investment by providing critical support to fund investments in Dekalb County’s future,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. “These upgrades are key to improving public health and environmental protections, while delivering good paying jobs and building stronger economies.” “With the award of this loan and the continued collaboration with the EPA, DeKalb County is positioned to construct a state-of-the-art sanitary sewer system,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Replacing this aged and previously neglected system will provide better service and continue to restore the trust of DeKalb County residents and ratepayers.” This project will cost $541 million and EPA’s WIFIA loan will finance nearly half of that figure. The remaining project costs will be funded by a combination of a Georgia Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and revenue bonds. EPA estimates that the WIFIA loan will save DeKalb County an estimated $65 million and that construction and operation are expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs. WIFIA is providing financial support at a critical time as the federal government, EPA, and the water sector work together to help mitigate the public health and financial impacts of COVID-19. Since March 2020, WIFIA has announced nineteen loans and updated five existing loans with lower interest rates, saving ratepayers over $1.2 billion.
Pexels Nate Hovee 5063779