City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management 2019 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT DOCUMENT TITLE - Contents

2019

CITY OF ATLANTA DEPARTMENT OF WATERSHED MANAGEMENT Serving Our Community...Protecting Our Water Resources...Building Our Workforce...Securing Atlanta’s Water Future

2016

2

CONTENTS 3

DWM at a Glance

4

Strategic Plan 2022: A One Water Vision

5

Awards and Recognition

6

Message from the Mayor

9

Message from the Commissioner

10

Who We Are

20

What We Do

35

Doing What Matters

OUR VISION

To distinguish ourselves as leaders in innovation, service and value.

OUR MISSION

Delivering excellent customer service through a motivated, skilled and empowered workforce by ensuring treatment and delivery of high quality drinking water, as well as holding collection and reclamation of wastewater to a high standard, while implementing innovative solutions for resource recovery.

Providing sustainable stormwater management using integrated planning and mitigating of the adverse impacts of flooding, while leveraging partnerships to protect, restore and enhance our watersheds by building the capacity to be a strong partner in the resilience of our City.

OUR VALUES Teamwork

Integrity

Customer Centric

Accountability

Employee Commitment

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

3

DWM at a Glance

Atlanta has invested billions of dollars into infrastructure that supports our growing region. Our drinking water and wastewater treatment systems have undergone many expansions and improvements since their original construction. Today, we’re a public water and wastewater utility that serves retail and wholesale customers. The Department of Watershed Management (DWM or Department) is tireless in its responsibility to provide clean and safe drinking water, wastewater collection and reclamation, and stormwater mitigation, essential elements of daily living, economic growth and vitality.

Hemphill and Chattahoochee water treatment plant treat approximately 98 million gallons of drinking water each day.

The Chattahoochee River is the source of Atlanta’s drinking water.

The City of Atlanta services more than 1.2 million people each day.

0 violations have been reported at our water treatment plants- both facilities have achieved 100% compliance with safe drinking water regulations.

We have more than 162,000 water account holders (residential and commercial).

Atlanta has approximately 2,790 miles of drinking water pipes and 2,363 miles of sewer lines.

Approximately 138 million gallons of wastewater are treated each day at our three water reclamation centers (R.M. Clayton, Utoy and South River)

$1.26 billion Investment in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure 7,686 Direct Jobs 11,844 Indirect Jobs + Induced Jobs 19,530 Total Jobs

$617 Million Operating Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019

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Strategic Plan 2022: A One Water Vision The DWM’s strategic planning PRIORITY AREAS Product Quality 1 process yielded eight strategic Service Delivery Customer Satisfaction 2 priority areas for the Department’s Infrastructure Reliability Employee and focus over the coming months 3 Leadership Development and years. These strategic priorities Workforce Development 4 Operational Optimization represent the areas that we Operational Efficiency Financial Viability 5 believe are essential for a leading Infrastructure Strategy and Financial Resiliency 6 water and wastewater utility. We Performance Compliance strive to meet the needs of our Enterprise Resiliency 7 customers by ensuring access to Smart Utility 8 Community Sustainability safe, clean drinking water while 9 Water Resource Adequacy Safety & Security investing in infrastructure to improve Stakeholder Understanding 10 and Support our resilience, make operations more efficient and facilitate the continued growth and economic prosperity of the City of Atlanta and the region we serve.

Atlanta Water Equity Taskforce DWM is a member of the Atlanta Water Equity Taskforce. The Water Equity Taskforce is a network of cities across the nation that work together to develop more equitable water policies and practices.

As one of seven existing Taskforce cities, the City of Atlanta is committed to increasing understanding of challenges and opportunities to promote equitable water management and is dedicated to building partnerships between the utility, community-based organizations, and the communities we serve. We hope to shape the course of our nation’s water future to be more equitable.

T HE PILLARS OF WAT E R E Q U I T Y :

ATLANTA EQUITY TASKFORCE PRIORITIES: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Streamline communications and opportunities to reach vulnerable communities COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Authentically engage communities in the project planning process AFFORDABILITY - Develop DWM’s affordability strategy that balances need to invest in infrastructure with economic impact to customers

Ensure all people have access to clean, safe, affordable water service

Maximize the community and economic benefits of water infrastructure investment

Foster community resilience in the face of a changing climate

CLIMATE RESILIENCE - Assess the vulnerability and potential effects of climate related disturbances, while taking steps to better cope with these impacts

Atlanta Taskforce Members: Department of Watershed Management Atlanta Office of Resilience

One Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Atlanta Regional Work Source Georgia

Eco-Action

Partnership for Southern Equity

The Conservation Fund

West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

American Rivers

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

5

Awards and Recognition Key Accomplishments for 2019

1932

Impact Award for innovative financing of green infrastructure projects using an Environmental Impact Bond.

Georgia Association of Water Professionals

Gold Wastewater Collection System Excellence Award

National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Award (Honorable Mention)

Gold Distribution System Excellence Award Water Safety Award - Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant Invited to apply for WIFIA - $65M project for Water Distribution System Resiliency Program.

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Senate and House Appropriations Committees authorize $1M for Water Workforce training.

RM Clayton WRC Headworks Project: AGC 2019 Marvin Black Partnering Award

Municipal Leadership MVP Award for Hemphill Water Treatment Facility. Recognized as one of the nation’s most energy-efficient by reducing usage by more than 40% in energy savings and preventing more than 11,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

ACEC 2019 Honor Award

Outstanding Greenspace Plan Award given for developing a Natural Green Infrastructure Strategy that quantifies the value of greenspace preservation.

DBIA-SE 2019 Design-Build Excellence Award DBIA 2019 Leadership Design-Build Water/Wastewater

Platinum Awards: DWM Water Quality Report - Print Media, Annual Report, Government DWM Connect Employee Mobile App - Digital Media, Mobile App/Web, App for Information DWM Website - Atlantawatershed.org Digital Media, Design (Web), Website Redesign 9 Gold Awards and 8 Honorable Mentions for video and print media

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CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

MESSAGE FROM

The Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor, City of Atlanta

In 2019, the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) experienced significant growth and increased its presence in the community. The Department continues to serve its vital role for Atlantans while improving on service delivery, compliance and infrastructure reliability.

“

WE DO WHAT MATTERS-IN THE COMMUNITY, IN OUR COMMUNICATIONS AND THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE.

“

With a focus on the core values of teamwork, integrity and accountability, it is not hard to see how the Department of Watershed Management has made so much progress in one year.

With several key projects completed under the Capital Improvement Program -- such as improvements to the R.M. Clayton WRC and improvement in the small diameter water main replacement program to address water main breaks – the Department of Watershed Management is seeing its strategic planning pay off. The Department was recently recognized for these accomplishments through several awards, including the ACEC Georgia Engineering Excellence Award and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) State Awards for excellence in operation of the collection and distribution systems as well as for safety at the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant. It is an honor to have received such esteemed recognition from the water, construction and engineering communities.

The DWM’s Strategic Plan 2022: A One Water Vision is focused on infrastructure reliability, service delivery, workforce development, operational efficiency, financial resiliency, compliance, safety and security, and becoming a Smart Utility. Each of these priorities is essential to achieving and maintaining DWM’s world-class status as a leading utility and an industry leader.

On behalf of Team Watershed, thank you for allowing us to serve you.

CITY CITY OF OF ATLANTA ATLANTA DWM DWM ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2019 2019 77

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CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CITY CITY OF OF ATLANTA ATLANTA DWM DWM ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2019 2019 99

MESSAGE FROM

The Commissioner Kishia L. Powell, Commissioner, City of Atlanta

While reflecting on accomplishments and lessons learned in 2019, one phrase comes to mind: Doing What Matters. The Department of Watershed Management has developed a laser focus on improving service delivery, operationalizing resilience and investing in infrastructure as well as our employees. This Annual Report reflects the hard work and dedication of Team Watershed and our shared set of core values.

“

In 2019, DWM continued participation in the US Water Alliance’s learning exchange to develop an equity roadmap centered around the pillars of ensuring access to clean, safe and affordable water service, maximizing the benefits of water infrastructure investment and fostering community resilience in the face of climate change. To this end, we have led efforts to raise awareness about affordability concerns, the importance of closing the water infrastructure funding gap and assessed our own vulnerabilities in concert with launching the development of an urban water resilience strategy. DWM also continued investments in critical infrastructure at our water treatment and water reclamation plants as well as our distribution system and wastewater collection system through our Clean Water Atlanta program. DWM has also continued investments under two Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contracts to save energy and reduce operation and maintenance costs. Lastly, in 2019 DWM issued the first publicly offered Environmental Impact Bond which will provide funding to implement several green infrastructure projects intended to provide environmental, economic and health benefits to the community.

While there is a great deal of work yet to be done, 2019 continues a trajectory for the utility to achieve its vision of being a leading utility in innovation, service and value.

Yours in service,

WE ASSUME OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE AS FRONTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS, GOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND INNOVATORS .

“

10

Who We Are

LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION

In 2017, the Department went through an extensive reorganization to improve service delivery, increase responsiveness to service requests and focus more on regulatory compliance. The Executive Management Team also added three positions (Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner) to ensure attention to capital project delivery, and additional focus on strategic planning, policy issues, and daily administrative and operational needs.

DWM Commissioner Kishia L. Powell

Executive Assistant, Sr. Shelease Tucker

Chief Administrative Officer Cristi Bickham

Chief of Staff Andrada Butler

Assistant Commissioner Mikita Browning

Communications and Community Relations (Vacant)

Human Resources Kellye Terrell

Safety, Security and Emergency Management Calvin Burgess

Performance & Accountability Sterling Thomas

Facilities Management Terrance Franklin

Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs (Vacant)

Procurement Planning and Contract Administration Renee Brown

Office of Financial Administration Mohamed Balla

Office of Customer Care and Billing Services Eric Hawkins

Office of Engineering Services Rob Bocarro

Office of Water Treatment & Reclamation Quinton Fletcher

Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations Darren Boykin

Office of Watershed Protection Todd Hill

Financial Planning & Budgeting

Customer Assurance and Satisfaction Team

Capital Project Delivery

Drinking Water Production

Wastewater Collection Division

Inspection & Monitoring

Accounting & Business Services

Customer Care Centers

Strategic Asset Management

Wastewater Reclamation

Water Distribution Division

Site Development

Financial Reporting

Billing Operations

Engineering Support Services

Water Storage & Pumping

Technical Support Services Division

Drinking Water and Wastewater Labs

Care & Conserve

Service Delivery

Construction Management

Wastewater Pumping

Operations Support Division

Stormwater Management

Meter Applications

Operations and Strategy

Automation & Reporting

Administration Support Services Division

Environmental Compliance

Asset Accountability Management Steve Thomas

Clean Water Atlanta (Vacant)

Office of Information Management Torri Martin

Business Operations

LEGEND DWM Administration DWM Operations

As of April 15, 2020

11 CITY CITY OF OF ATLANTA ATLANTA DWM DWM ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2019 2019 11

Our Executive Management Team

Kishia L. Powell Commissioner

Mohamed Balla

Deputy Commissioner Office of Financial Administration

Eric Hawkins

Deputy Commissioner Office of Customer Care and Billiling Services

Terrance Franklin

Director Office of Facilities Management

Sterling Thomas

Director Office of Performance and Accountability

Mikita Browning

Assistant Commissioner

Rob Bocarro

Deputy Commissioner Office of Engineering Services

Todd Hill

Deputy Commissioner Office of Watershed Protection

Kellye Terrell

Director Office of Human Resources

Cristi Bickham

Chief Administrative Officer

Darren Boykin

Deputy Commissioner Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations

Torri Martin

Deputy Commissioner Office of Information Technology

Andrada Butler Chief of Staff

Quinton Fletcher

Deputy Commissioner Office of Water Treatment and Reclamation

Calvin Burgess

Director Office of Safety, Emergency Management and Security

Shelease Tucker

Executive Assistant, Sr.

Steve Thomas

Director Office of Asset Accountability Management 2016

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The Department has six major offices that carry out the core functions of the utility (see tasks by office below), with seven administrative divisions that provide support services.

OFFICE OF CUSTOMER CARE AND BILLING SERVICES (OCCBS) Responsible for customer service operations, including meter installation, customer relations, meter and infrastructure field operations and billing services.

The Customer Assurance and Satisfaction Team (CAST) handles escalated service requests by coordinating with the customer and operating units to ensure work is completed and the customer is satisfied. Service Delivery is a newer division under OCCBS that focuses on customer engagement, experiences, surveys and continued evaluation to improve customer service.

Account Management and Billing Services, includes the review of billing adjustment requests, account maintenance, refund requests, resolution of billing disputes, and scheduling appeal hearings with the Water & Sewer Appeals Board.

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION (OFA) Responsible for all financial management: including financial planning and budgeting; capital program financial management; determination of rates, fees and charges; interjurisdictional billing; accounting; collections; and tracking expenditures. The sale of meters and DWM’s customer assistance program, Care and Conserve, are also under OFA.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING SERVICES (OES) Responsible for the development and implementation of water and wastewater master plans that serve as a basis for the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The OES provides project management support to capital projects such as watershed protection, green infrastructure and stormwater management. The OES is also responsible for DWM’s asset management program, and technical support for water and wastewater facilities, linear infrastructure operations, and geographic information systems.

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OFFICE OF WATER TREATMENT AND RECLAMATION (OWTR) Responsible for drinking water production and wastewater treatment. Drinking water production includes the operation and maintenance of water supply intakes, two drinking water treatment plants (WTPs), drinking water storage (both raw and finished water) and pumping stations. Wastewater treatment includes the operation and maintenance of three permitted wastewater treatment (reclamation) facilities, six combined sewer facilities (including water quality control) and 16 sewage pumping stations. The office also leads our coordination for the Tom Lowe Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Plant that is operated and maintained under a separate contract and jointly owned with Fulton County.

OFFICE OF LINEAR INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS (OLIO) Responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of Atlanta’s water distribution and wastewater collection system.

Operations include managing the work order system to reschedule, track and report on work in response to technical customer service requests and linear infrastructure emergency maintenance needs (e.g., water main breaks and sanitary sewer failures). In the event of asset failure, OLIO provides rapid response to minimize impacts to the community and the environment. The OLIO also coordinates with the Department of Public Works to provide cleaning and clearing of the City’s separated storm sewer system to prevent or alleviate flooding.

13

OFFICE OF WATERSHED PROTECTION (OWP) Responsible for oversight of the City’s stormwater management program, including Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit compliance and other functions that support the improvement and protection of surface water quality. The OWP provides oversight of all compliance programs, including monitoring, tracking and reporting measures, and is engaged in regional planning and water conservation measures. The OWP also provides laboratory services through DWM’s EPA certified facility to test and monitor raw water, drinking water and wastewater quality and coordinates design, construction, operations and maintenance of stormwater management assets, including green infrastructure measures.

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Team Watershed Our team of 1,421 are highly skilled and motivated who represent the Department on the job, in industry organizations, and the community. While there is adequate staff to complete current work, we recently completed a workforce policy review that identified several opportunities to continue attracting high-quality employees to fill open and future positions. It is important that our employees are satisfied with their work and challenged daily to continue growth and position advancement.

OFFICES / DIVISION

FILLED

Office of the Commissioner

21

Communications & Community Relations

16

Safety, Security & Emergency Management

53

Information Management

51

Asset Accountability Management

45

Customer Care and Billing Services

144

Engineering Services

165

Facilities Management

49

Financial Administration

55

Linear Infrastructure Operations

377

Performance and Accountability

6

Water Treatment and Reclamation

284

Watershed Protection

146

Consent Decree TOTAL

9 1,421

HEAR WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES SAY..

“In my position as a DWM Customer Care employee, I enjoy the variety of assignments I receive daily. I look forward to the unique requests I receive which have allowed me to develop many skills well beyond my job title.

The most rewarding part of my job is consistently receiving feedback from customers who are happy with the high level of customer service. they receive from me.” ~ Dee Dee Nkosi Customer Assurance & Satisfaction Team (CAST)

“I like that I get the chance to serve and work with customers in the City where I grew up. Also to have a ‘work family’ here at DWM makes me feel very fortunate.” ~Kirby Lovins Customer Assurance & Satisfaction Team (CAST)

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Workforce Development Like other utilities, the Department is experiencing an aging workforce, limited qualified candidates and impacts from new technology. Almost 50 percent of our employees will be ready for retirement in the next 10 years. Our workforce development goals are to ensure we hire and retain highly skilled workers and leverage the skills of current employees to meet DWM’s business demands and customer expectations. The following objectives are guiding our ongoing workforce development policies, processes and procedures: Recruit and retain a competent, diverse and skilled workforce.

OUR PEOPLE

The City of Atlanta has always maintained a commitment to being first in class and first in service. In keeping with that commitment, our vision is to distinguish ourselves as an industry leader in innovation, service and value. Our leadership recognizes these goals can only be achieved through a motivated, skilled and empowered workforce.

Develop and implement strategies that prepare and align existing employees with available and emerging career opportunities building core competencies to effectively achieve DWM’s mission.

Implement processes and procedures that will guard against knowledge loss from staff departures.

Identify all related training and credentialing requirements to address current and future workplace needs.

We are also collaborating with local technical colleges to develop a water and wastewater curriculum to inform and educate those interested in our field.

To develop solutions, we worked with other leaders and industry professionals to raise this issue to Congress for grant funding. In 2019, we were successful in obtaining congressional funding of $1M for the nation’s Workforce Development Grant program in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Workforce Development Initiatives Preparing Adult Offenders to Transition Through Training and Therapy (PAT3) Re-Entry Program Launched in April 2018, the Preparing Adults Offenders to Transition through Training and Therapy (PAT3) program is an innovative program designed to eliminate barriers and provide resources for family reunification as part of an effort to lower recidivism rates. The PAT3 program focuses on the re-entry needs of incarcerated males with children by providing job training and employment opportunities with the City of Atlanta. Since the program’s launch, 13 PAT3 participants have been hired in full time positions within the Department, three of which have achieved advanced certifications resulting in promotions within their DWM divisions.

The Department of Watershed Management Joins Mayor Bottoms’ Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking and Protect the Most Vulnerable In May 2019, efforts to prevent human trafficking and become the strength for the powerless and the hope of the victims became a major pillar in Mayor Bottom’s Administration. That is why DWM is a partner with Wellspring Living in providing full-time employment to participants in the Women’s Academy - a Wellspring Living program that is designed to provide economic mobility and a road to self-sufficiency for women who have experienced difficulty gaining living-wage employment due to poverty, sexual abuse and trafficking.

To that end, DWM is pleased to welcome a group of women from the Women’s Academy who are now part of DWM’s trained and qualified workforce.

City of Atlanta

DEPARTMENTS OF AVIATION & WATERSHED MANAGEMENT announce

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2019

Small Business Development Program The small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Atlanta are an in important staple to the economy, and as such, the Department has focused on developing and hosting programs for businesses. On average, DWM had about 50 business owners attend each of the following programs in 2019.

•

Safety OSHA Training Part I, II & III

•

Trenchless Sewer Repair Technician Class

•

Sewer Lateral Rehabilitation

•

Human Resources Management

•

Professional Services Accounting & Finance I & II

•

Project Management Technician from Owner’s Perspective

•

FAR Overhead Development

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Along with direct emailed newsletters and online access (Atlantawatershed.org; Facebook; Twitter and YouTube), we communicate and engage the public in the following ways:

IN-PERSON COMMUNICATION

Customer Service Walk-in Center: Helps customers with initial establishment or disconnection of residential or commercial water accounts, general inquiries, customer care concerns, and payments (i.e. payment arrangements, installment plans, or special issues.) DWM Communications staff are present at community events to address customer inquiries and share information.

CUSTOMER CARE AND BILLING SERVICES The Department manages approximately 162,000 water service and 135,000 wastewater service accounts. Customers are invoiced for water and sewer services based on the amount of water consumed as registered on the meter serving the property.

The utility is an enterprise funded operation, therefore the billing and collections functions are critical. Likewise, addressing our customers’ inquiries and addressing service requests are equally important and are considered a core function of the Department.

The Department’s Customer Care and Billing Services team manages the day-to-day interactions with customers and is primarily responsible for customer service operations, customer relations, meter, and infrastructure field operations, and billing services.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Handles customer requests for balance and payment information, routes customers to appropriate divisions within the Department, and reports water service outages, boiled water advisories, etc.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Water Bill and Bill Inserts:

Customers receive monthly invoice statements for charges and fees related to usage and services. Customers are informed about upcoming activities and programs in the City.

Customer Assurance Satisfaction Team (CAST): Assists with customer escalations, bill inquiries, proactive communications and the establishment and disconnection of accounts. Initiates and oversees accelerated resolution of customer concerns; initiates robo-calls and mailers to alert customers regarding increased consumption levels.

Appeals Board: DWM provides a liaison for the City’s Water and Sewer Appeals Board to review decisions regarding formal resolution of adjustment requests.

19 CITY CITY OF OF ATLANTA ATLANTA DWM DWM ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2019 2019 19

BY THE NUMBERS

444 customers served through

DWM’s bill payment and plumbing repair assistance programs

336 seniors enrolled in the Senior Citizen Discount Report in 2019

17,472 customers helped with Walk-in Centers

20,106 new accounts established 20,836 service turn-offs 15,725 customer-initiated inquiries resolved

1,956,821 bills issued with less than 3% estimated reads

Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) Ambassador Program NPU Ambassadors are a customer service representative of DWM that identify and create partnership opportunities with customers and report issues for follow-up and resolution. NPU Ambassadors share monthly talking points and information at monthly NPU meetings. Talking points include upcoming workshops, DWM customer assistance programs (such as Care & Conserve and Senior Citizen Discount Program), and information about current and upcoming projects. In 2019, more than 3,500 residents and stakeholders were engaged through this Program.

DID YOU KNOW?

The City of Atlanta is divided into 25 Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), which are citizen advisory councils that make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on zoning, land use and other planning issues.

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What We Do THE DWM JOURNEY CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SINCE 1872 1872

Atlanta Municipal Water System Authorized

1887

First WTP and Pump Station constructed at South River (now Lakewood Park)

1891

Chattahoochee River was selected as the source for Atlanta’s water by Mayor William Hemphill

1936

Utoy Creek WRC placed into operation Intrenchment Creek Plant placed into operation South River Plant placed into operation

1904

1962

Morgan Falls Dam completed and placed in operation.

Chattahoochee WTP placed into operation

1923

Second raw water reservoir is built.

1956

Lake Sidney Lanier impounded by Buford Dam

1935 1907

RMC Clayton WRC placed into operation

1948

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Approximately 65% of Atlanta’s residents had metered water

1893

Hemphill WTP placed into operation

1875

Atlanta Canal and Water Works Company was established to secure a constant and plentiful supply of water for growth and fire protection.

DWM OVERVIEW Though the water system for Atlanta dates back to 1872, the Department of Watershed Management as it is known today is just 17 years old. The Atlanta City Council approved creation of the Department on September 16, 2002 (Ordinance No. 02-0-1450) to manage the City’s water and wastewater systems. DWM operates a regional public water and wastewater utility serving 1.2 million people a day by ensuring the treatment and delivery of

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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2012

Historic Forth Ward Capacity Relief Ponds completed, driving $475M in economic development

1972

Safe Drinking Water Act originally passed by Congress

Completion of requirements of the CSO

Water Supply ProgramBellwood Quarry 5-mile Tunnel completed

2016

Completion of the Sewer Group Three Contracts B and C

Launch of “Driller Mike”

2002

Department of Watershed Management created

2007

Greenway Acquisition Program completed

Purchase of Bellwood Quarry

Second CSO Consent Decree received

1998

First CSO consent decree recorded

Completion of the Peachtree Trunk Sewer Stabilization Project

2014/15

1974

1999

Substantial completion of the R.M. Clayton WRC/ OSTARA Nutrient Recovery System

Consent Decree extension granted for SSO Consent Decree

Clean Water Act (amendments to the early Federal Water Pollution Control Act)

2006

2019

2017

Recognized as one of the six leading utilities of the world - Madrid Spain

Completion of HartsfieldJackson Manifold Improvements

2018

Completion of R.M. Clayton WRC Headworks Improvement Project Kicked-off target Muni ESCO projects for projected annual savings of $7.5M Completion of R.M. Clayton WRC Sand Filter Refurbishment Completed 5-mile tunnel using “Driller Mike” to connect former Bellwood Quarry and the Chattahoochee River and Hemphill WTPs Completion of Ashby-Jett Sewer Improvements

safe clean drinking water, collection and treatment of wastewater to a high standard and management of watersheds within the City of Atlanta, including managing the impacts of stormwater. The Department is responsible for the operation, maintenance and capital improvement of over $5 billion in assets, as well as compliance of the drinking water and wastewater systems, with shared responsibility for the City’s stormwater drainage system.

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DRINKING WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION DWM is responsible for the safe treatment and distribution of drinking water. Raw water is first acquired from the Chattahoochee River from the Tom Lowe Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Plant and then treated at either the Chattahoochee WTP or the Hemphill WTP. Our customers in Sandy Springs are served by the Atlanta-Fulton County North Area Plant, which the City owns with Fulton County and is located outside City limits. The three WTPs have a combined treatment capacity of 246.6 million gallons.

Following treatment, drinking water is distributed to retail and wholesale customers.

Water Distribution System 2,790 miles of water pipelines

2 finished water pump stations and 3 re-pump stations

2 booster pumps 2 new raw water pump stations and 2 raw water reservoirs 4 ground water tanks, 3 underground tanks and 5 elevated tanks The Department is adding a new 2.4 billiongallon reservoir at the former Bellwood Quarry site, three new pump stations, and a new raw water transmission tunnel.

“When I think about working for DWM several things immediately come to mind; community service, career opportuntity and job satisfaction. Working for DWM/COA allows me to serve my community and help provide essential services to the citizens of Atlanta.� ~ Gregory Hodapp, Office of Water Treatment and Reclamation

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

DRINKING WATER SERVICE AREA

BY THE NUMBERS

32 billion gallons

of drinking water treated at Hemphill and Chattahoochee WTPs (3 billion from the North Atlanta facility)

0 violations have been

reported at the Hemphill and Chattahoochee WTPs - both facilities report 100% EPD compliance

5% water loss reduction between 2017-2018

Crews responded to over

373 water main breaks

2,665 hydrant work orders

completed (mostly leaks and repairs)

11,982 work orders created and 13,797 closed

There are 25,000 public hydrants in the Department of Watershed Management service area

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WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND RECLAMATION The City’s wastewater collection and treatment systems encompass more than 2,363 miles of sanitary and combined sewers and the collection system is within the 11 square mile Combined Sewer Area which is connected directly to the separate sewer system for conveyance to one of the WRCs for treatment. The City’s wastewater system is operated and maintained by the Department’s Office of Water Treatment and Reclamation and Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations.

The three WRCs have a combined hydraulic treatment capacity of 220 millon gallons per day.

Collection and Treatment Systems

3

Permitted Combined Sewer System (CSS) Water Quality Control Facilities (WQCF)

4

Permitted Combined Sewage Control Facilities (CSCF)

2

Water Quality Control Facilties

16

Sewage Pump Stations

“Through my experience, I have gained knowledge about the environment along with developing a professional attitude that serves to complete tasks and be efficient while upholding all ethical standards. I look forward to learning, contributing and growing with the City and here in OWTR.” ~ Johnmar Haye, Office of Treatment and Reclamation

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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WASTEWATER COLLECTIONS SERVICE AREA

BY THE NUMBERS

132.8 million gallons

of wastewater are treated each day at three WRCs located within City limits There are 135,000 wastewater accounts

42 spills prevented with 18 of them being major spills prevented

15,254 wastewater collection work orders created and 15,688 closed

100% of Apprentices have Class 3 Operator’s Certification in OWTR

3 employees received Class 1

Operator’s Certification in OWTR

2 employees received Class 2

Operator’s Certification in OWTR

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WATERSHED PROTECTION: RESILIENCE AND EQUITY Ten major watersheds and five smaller watersheds within the City supply the Chattahoochee and Ocmulgee river basins. The City’s stormwater service area covers approximately 132 square miles within the corporate limits and includes a combined sewer system and a separate stormwater sewer system.

To protect and establish safeguards along stream banks, the City invested $25 million as part of the Greenway Acquisition Project to purchase property and conservation easements along selected portions of streams in Atlanta that flow into the Chattahoochee and South rivers.

The land has been preserved as undeveloped and undisturbed corridors along stream banks that serve as natural filters to trap sediment and other pollutants carried by stormwater before they reach the streams. The natural vegetation of the greenways also provides wildlife habitats and stream buffers.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE The Green Infrastructure Strategic Plan promotes and supports the implementation of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective and sustainable way for the City to address flooding and water quality concerns from stormwater runoff while improving the long-term sustainability of our watersheds and natural resources.

2019 Highlights include: •

Informational signage created for stormwater planters along streets in southeast Atlanta.

•

Three of the DWM’s Consent Decree Greenway properties were awarded Wildlife Santuary certification by the Atlanta Audubon Society.

Watershed Protection The Office of Watershed Protection is responsible for the City’s:

Grease Management

Green Space Protection

Stream Bank Stabilization

Flood Prevention

Erosion Control

Land Development Regulation and Site Development Plan Review Programs Studying impacts in streams and rivers is helping to improve watershed conditions throughout the City by identifying improvement projects with environmental, social and economic benefits. The study of all city watersheds will be completed by 2020.

Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Historic Vine City and Upper Proctor Creek Blvd. Green Infrastructure 16-acre retention pond with 10 million gallons storage capacity to eliminate combined sewer overflows while preventing polluted stormwater runoff from entering our streams.

SEEKING ENVISION GOLD

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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CITY OF ATLANTA WATERSHED BASINS

BY THE NUMBERS GREENWAY PROGRAM 173 properties totaling 1,938 acres of preserve greenspace SITE DEVELOPMENT 7,178 site plans reviewed for permitting FOG (FATS, OILS, AND GREASE) MANAGEMENT 2,093 permits issued for food service wastewater discharge FLOW MONITORING 42 potential spills averted NATURAL RESOURCES 48.63 miles of streams walked and assessed WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT PLANS 10 plans completed April 2016-June 2018 STORMWATER DIVERTED 163 million gallons of annual runoff by green infrastructure* 990 Total sites permitted with green infrastructure 810+ Single family residences

170+ Commerical projects

10 Municipal projects 35% separate sewer system dedicated to public use 1,900 acres of greenways

* Based on DWM’s Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance

“Working for DWM allows me the opportunity to contribute by protecting our community, treatment plants, and industries that discharge water into our sewer system. I accomplish this by monitoring effluent discharges from Permitted Industries within city limits and making sure that their effluent discharges are at acceptable levels.” ~Wayne Rose, Office of Watershed Protection

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The Department is a separate utility enterprise fund that allows the City to account for, fund, and manage water and wastewater operations independently from general government operations. The Department recommends rates and charges to meeting operating expenses, capital improvement requirements, debt service payments, and operating transfers to the City’s General Fund for activities performed by other City departments providing support services to DWM. DEBT REFINANCING The Department actively manages the debt necessary to build capital projects, monitoring financial markets to achieve savings where possible. Bond refinancings since in 2018 save approximately $8.5 million annually.

The Department receives no income from ad valorem taxes levied by the City. Revenues from user charges represent the vast majority of revenues to operate, maintain, renew and expand the system, supplemented by the Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST).

DID YOU KNOW? Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST) Your 1 cent at Work!

25%

MOST has staved off a increase in water/sewer rates

The MOST ensures that responsibility for clean water is shared by all users.

Revenue Enhancing and Cost Saving Initiatives R.M. Clayton WRC and Hemphill WTP/ Distribution System & Various Facilities (Utoy Creek WRC, South River WRC, Chattahoochee and Hemphill WTPs Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contracts - Investment of over $100 million in equipment and energy savings improvements Benefits: Operating cost savings through substantial reduction in wet sludge hauling and disposal to the landfills and operation of the old incinerator system Substantial Completion: November 2020

R.M. Clayton WRC / OSTARA Nutrient Recovery System

Benefits: The Nutrient Recovery System is expected to remove 150 tons of phosphorus and 70 tons of nitrogen per yer. The City of Atlanta expects 1,000 tons of the fertilzer product (Crystal Green Pearl) to be produced each year. In addition to achieving a carbon footprint offset from both wastewater treatment and fertilizer production estimated at almost 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Substantial Completion: October 2019

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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FISCAL YEAR 2019 - KEY FIGURES HISTORICAL OPERATIONAL RESULTS

FY2019

FY2018

FY2017

OPERATING REVENUES

$643,100

$640,500

$621,900

Water and Sewer

$ 451,700

$ 451,400

$ 462,600

MOST

$ 154,600

$ 145,200

$ 131,700

Other

$

36,800

$ 43,700

$ 27,600

Operation and Maintenance Expenses

$ 211,300

$ 239,000

$ 224,900

$203,400

$202,600

$203,200

Debt Service Coverage Ratio

2.12

Contributions to Capital Budget Capital Budget

FY20 ANTICIPATED REVENUES ($644M)

1.93

$ 132,000

$ 135,800

$ 129,200

$230,900

$121,800

$324,600

FY20 APPROPRIATIONS ($644M) $365M

$39M

Non-Departmental (54%)

Miscellaneous Revenue (6%)

$130M

1.98

$28M

MOST(20%)

Other Departments (5%)

$475M

Water & Sewer (74%)

$251M

Operations & Maintenance (41%)

Available cash at year end swept into R&E Fund to support capital program

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CAPITAL PROGRAM DELIVERY

STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT DIVISION The Strategic Asset Management Division (SAMD) is leading a $24 million Small Diameter Water Main Replacement Program to proactively replace approximately 12 miles of pipe over three years (2020 and 2022) to reduce water main breaks. In addition, condition assessments are being performed on 40 miles of large diameter (16 inches and higher) water mains to begin a rehabilitation and replacement program to ensure sustainability of our water system. The SAMD is tasked with supporting DWM efforts for the Renew Atlanta and Transportation Special Options Sales Tax (TSPLOST) programs to replace any critical water mains with limited remaining life ahead of re-pavement operations. To date, 14 water main projects totaling 31,500 linear feet have been replaced, with an additional 16,000 linear feet of main replacement planned.

CIP 2015-2019 Projects

5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) DWM’s five-year, $1.26 billion CIP is the result of a careful assessment of the Utility’s system needs and resiliency planning for future development.

The current 5-year CIP is taken from short and long-term projects included in DWM’s water, wastewater and stormwater master plans which identified $8.7 billion in infrastructure investment needs. The CIP organizes needs for sustaining, restoring and modernizing the facilities and infrastructure that support the City of Atlanta’s water and wastewater systems. The CIP will aid DWM in maintaining operational efficiency and reliability, improving water quality, protecting the environment, reducing sewer overflows, enhancing public health and ensuring continued regulatory compliance.

Capital Improvement Program Budget

CITY OF ATLANTA DWM ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Water Supply Program 2019 was a banner year of accomplishments for the $320M (in construction costs) Water Supply Program. The tunnel boring machine known as “Driller Mike” completed the five-mile long tunnel excavation from the former Bellwood Quarry to the Chattahoochee shaft. The concrete lining of that five-mile tunnel was completed in November 2019; the tunnel extension to the River Intake Pump Station was completely excavated and concrete lined in 2019; and eight pumps were installed at the Quarry and Hemphill Pump Stations in 2019.

Since 2016, the City’s Department of Watershed Management has worked to transform the former Bellwood Quarry into a reservoir that, when complete, will hold 2.4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water, increasing the City’s emergency supply from 3 days to more than 30 days.

DWM’s Water Supply Program recently received the 2018 ENVISION Silver Award for sustainable infrastructure.

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Program Progress As of June 2019 The City has inspected more than 1,500 MILES OF SEWER PIPE

Rehabilitated 387 MILES OF PIPES that were determined to have structural deficiencies The City achieved CAPACITY RELIEF IN 43% of total area

CLEAN WATER ATLANTA CONSENT DECREE PROGRAM Clean Water Atlanta (CWA) is a comprehensive, multi-program initiative to improve water quality in Atlanta. Through capital construction programs, CWA has been instrumental in improving the City’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.

Through this program, the DWM is completing necessary sewer infrastructure improvements to abate sanitary sewer overflows, ensure adequate system capacity, reduce flooding and pollution caused by stormwater, and safeguard the public health and safety of our citizens.

The City SEPARATED 33 MILES of combined sewers in McDaniel, Greensferry and Stackade sewer basins Decreasing combined sewer OVERFLOWS BY 75% ADDED SEWER CAPACITY to support additional development

DID YOU KNOW? Sewer Groups One and Two have been COMPLETED. Sewer Group Three is in progress with 74% OF WORK COMPLETE. There has been a dramatic decrease in number and volume of sewer spills (62% and 97% decreases respectively between 2004 - 2010).

The West Area Tunnel was also CONSTRUCTED, which reduced the CSOs from West Atlanta to the Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods.

Completion of the South River Tunnel has REDUCED SSOs in Southeast Atlanta.

There is a Five-Year Leak Detection Program in which City crews inspected 335 miles of the more than 2,700 miles of water mains and REPAIRED 19 LOCATIONS identified as leaking.

We are dedicated to protecting Atlanta’s urban waterways, conversing natural resources, and providing clean, safe water for residents, businesses, and downstream customers.

33 CITY CITY OF OF ATLANTA ATLANTA DWM DWM ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2019 2019 33

R.M. Clayton Nutrient Recovery System – Ostara CONSTRUCTION COST: $11 Million SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION DATE: October 2019

The purpose of this project is to improve nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) removal within the R.M. Clayton WRC. Enhanced nutrient removal will improve permit compliance, reduce chemical and operating costs, and provide a reusable byproduct.

Crews have reached substantial completion of the system; final completion expected in early 2020.

Peachtree Creek Trunk Sewer Stabilization Project CONSTRUCTION COST: $38 Million COMPLETION DATE: November 2019

The Peachtree Creek Trunk sewer, which traverses through Atlanta Memorial Park and neighboring Bobby Jones Golf Course was rehabilitated by installation of an interlocking grouted PVC profile structural liner as a permanent solution to ensure the long-term structural integrity and service life of the sewer, an existing 96-inch arch shape concrete pipe.

Clear Creek West Sewer Improvements CONSTRUCTION COST: $18.8 Million COMPLETION DATE: May 2019

Design and construction of an underground concrete vault having a capacity of 4 million gallons along with all ancillary systems and components.

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Shaping Atlanta DWM as a SMART UTILITY Transformation of the DWM to a “Smart” Utility is a key goal of the Strategic Plan 2022: One Water Vision. The Department is leveraging the opportunities of digital and process technologies in a strategic and prioritized way to engage customers, optimize the workforce and business activities, upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure and deploy or conserve limited resources.

Smart Solution Deployment OLEA is an edge analytic solution that communicates smart, continuous data to the cloud using sensors affixed to the meter. Phase I includes installation, data managemet and meter health analytics and was completed on January 2, 2020. Recovery of lost revenue is valued at $1.35M.

Data Driven Decision Making The DWM is developing a Smart H2O platform that includes predictive modeling analytics to assist in monitoring performance and promoting a greater business and operations insight and better decision making.

2019 Achievements : The DWM completed an innovation maturity assessment to define innovation goals and future state, including indentification of current best practices in smart utilities. The Department also finalized its Smart Utility Strategic Plan. Other achievements include: •

Customer Information System (CIS) upgrade agreement for future compatibility with DWM’s Smart Utility goals

•

Smart Utility Taskforce to advance digital and technological transformation and operational innovation

•

Enabled remote monitoring of water treatment plants and distribution system with sensors, and improved communications

•

Provided customers with great visibility about their water usage and consumption

•

Identified leaks and faulty meters to minimize the cost of non-revenue water

•

Enhanced ability to record and track vital information about our capital improvement program, customer services and water network

•

Realized energy savings with intelligent pumps

Strategic Plan 2022: A One Water Vision for a Smart Utility Leveraging innovation, information technology, operational technology, and process technology to optimize the use and management of investment and human capital to improve financial, operational, and customer service performance and resiliency.

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Doing What Matters

DWM in the Community Public Education DWM is committed to providing educational opportunities to the public to build trust and share our knowledge through newsletters, workshops, festivals, tours, and community meetings. Below are a few programs in which the Department hosted or participated in 2019: • Rain barrel and composting workshops (over 100 participants) • Georgia Tech Student STEM festival (distributed Wipes in the Pipes and water conservation brochures) • Group plant tours at Chattahoochee WTP, Utoy Creek WRC, and Hemphill WTP • STEM Career Day - Environmental Science (hands on demonstrations and career brochures) • Council District Neighborhood (Town Hall) Meetings • Community activity and events throughout DWM service area DWM is dedicated to supporting our youth with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

In 2019, the Department made over 50 school visits and engaged more than 4,300 K-12 students, including plant tours. DWM also focused on creating a high school program that included a service-learning project (storm drain education), career day speakers (DWM employees), and DWM apprenticeship program (workforce development). With all of these educational opportunities, the Department is building relationships with these future employees, partners, and customers.

Senior Centers The Department values Altanta’s Senior population as longstanding members of our community, who are reliable and consistent while vital and eager to engage in programs that enhance their quality of life. DWM delivers direct customer service by visiting Senior Centers and social clubs to share information regarding our services, bill payment assistance programs, water related initiatives, and campaigns such as FOG and conservation.

• Average 21 visits per month to Senior Centers or Groups • Engaged more than 4,500 Seniors

City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management 72 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30303 Tel: 404 546 3200 www.atlantawatershed.org

You Tube @ATLWatershed