Macon Water Authority 2015 PAFR

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RODUC P Y IN L D G U

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’S BES A C I TR TA E M

G DRINKING

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Our

Vision We will grow as a premier regional public utility that embraces innovation, focused on the comprehensive management of water resources and be recognized for superior customer service, financial and environmental stewardship, community service, and leadership.

Our

Mission To provide quality water and sewer services for the enhancement of the quality of life and economic wellbeing of the customers and communities we serve.

Our Core Values Service

Professionalism

Integrity

Innovation

Stewardship

Safety

2016 Save

the Dates

May 1-7

National Drinking Water Week

May 5

Amerson Water Treatment Plant Open House

June 4

11th Annual Kids Fishing Derby

October 8 Macon’s Annual River Cleanup, Ocmulgee Alive!

Table

of Contents

Welcome

3

Meet the Board

4

The Value of Water

5

Public Outreach

7

Economic Development

9

Financial Summary

10

Financial Leverage

12

Affordability & Competitiveness

13

System Improvements

17

Welcome From the desk of the Executive Director & President

The Macon Water Authority (MWA) team shares a personal and professional commitment to serving our customers and surrounding communities with courtesy, respect, and efficiency. It is through this commitment that we consistently succeed in our mission of providing clean, quality, and affordable water and sewer services that are essential to the community’s quality of life and economic prosperity.

This commitment is also reflected in the dedication of two of our former employees: Ralph Hardy and James Tapley, who recently retired with a combined tenure of 102 years of service.

The crisis in Flint, Michigan — where corrosive water caused uncoated pipes to corrode and leach high levels of lead into the drinking water, resulting in lead poisoning and causing irreversible impacts on human health — makes one pause to truly recognize the value of clean, safe drinking water production and distribution. Of course, it also leads one to question the safety and quality of one’s own drinking water.

Let me assure you that if you are an MWA customer, this is a concern you don’t need to worry about. The number one priority of the MWA is to provide safe drinking water for our customers. We make no shortcuts when it comes to water quality at the MWA. In fact, the MWA goes above and beyond the minimum standards for regulatory compliance in water quality testing.

From the Desk of the Executive Vice President of Business Operations

It is a pleasure to present this 2015 year in review to our customers and our community.

The MWA began publishing a PAFR in 2012 as a means of delivering financial and operational news to you in an easy-to-read format.

This Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 PAFR is a condensed version of our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which may be found on our website located at www.maconwater.org.

The financial information included in this report is compiled from the Authority’s recently audited set of financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Authority had another solid operating year in 2015. The MWA continued to reinvest in its infrastructure, remained involved in community education and economic development, and launched a new non-profit enterprise — Macon Water Environmental Education, Inc. — which will focus on providing education and assistance to MWA customers.

In addition, the Authority received the Outstanding Achievement in Financial Reporting award for our FY 2014 CAFR for the 18th consecutive year. The PAFR from last fiscal year was also recognized for excellence by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States (GFOA).

Finally, I am confident in stating that the employees of the Authority are dedicated to applying their professional knowledge and skills to protect the public’s drinking water and the environment. We will always conduct our business in a manner that reflects well upon the water profession and Macon-Bibb County.

Not only has our water been named Best Tasting in North America, it is some of the lowest-priced and best-valued water in Georgia.

This PAFR contains rate data from studies conducted by a nationally recognized university research facility on water and sewer rate affordability in Georgia.

On behalf of the Authority Board and all of our employees, we thank you for taking the time to review the 2015 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR).

I hope you find this PAFR informative, and I welcome any comments or feedback regarding its content.

Tony Rojas, Executive Director & President

Guy Boyle, EVP of Business Operations

3 • MaconWater.org

Meet the Board MWA Board of Directors

The seven-member MWA Board is made up of a Chairman, who is elected countywide, four elected district positions, and two positions for elected officials from the Macon-Bibb County Commission, which appoints these representatives from its own ranks.

This past year began with the swearing in of Sam Hart as the new MWA Chairman, following his election the previous spring. Chairman is a familiar title, as he was Chairman of the MaconBibb County Commission prior to consolidation.

MWA Vice Chairman Frank Patterson was re-elected to represent citizens in District 4, and Dorothy “Dot” Black was re-elected as well to continue her service for District 1. Javors J. Lucas represents District 2 and has held this position since 1982.

Sam Hart Chairman

Dwight Jones

District 3 Member

Frank Patterson

Vice Chairman and District 4 Member

Bert Bivins

Macon-Bibb Representative

Board Member Spotlight: Javors J. Lucas

Dwight Jones represents District 3, having completed his second year of service on the Board after winning a special election in 2014.

Ed DeFore serves as an appointed member from the Macon-Bibb County Commission, officially serving his constituents as the District 6 Commissioner. Bert Bivins also serves at the appointment of the Macon-Bibb County Commission, serving his constituents as the District 5 Commissioner.

The strong leadership of the Board benefits the MWA in countless ways, including determining policies and appropriating financial resources for an Authority that ranks among the best in the industry.

For complete bios on all MWA Board Members, please visit www.maconwater.org.

Dot Black

District 1 Member

Ed DeFore

Macon-Bibb Representative

Javors Lucas

District 2 Member

Javors J. Lucas is the longest-serving MWA Board member, entering his 34th year as the elected representative for District 2. He served 22 of those years as the Authority’s Vice Chairman.

Mr. Lucas is a native of Macon, born February 18, 1923. He attended Ballard Normal School, a local private school, prior to attending college at Tuskegee University, where he was active in the ROTC. He is a World War II Veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater. Among his many responsibilities was to provide fellow troops with fresh drinking water, foreshadowing his future service on the MWA Board.

Following his military service, Mr. Lucas worked for 25 years in various capacities as a civilian at Robins Air Force Base. His experience as a craftsman at Robins inspired him to start Lucas Signs in Macon.

Mr. Lucas and his wife Mary are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year. They are proud parents of seven children who have provided them with the additional blessings of 23 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“I’m most proud of the service I provide to my constituents and how I represent them on the Board.

My main goal has always been to look out for them and to do whatever I can to help them.”

Javors J. Lucas MaconWater.org • 4

Water Quality + Safety + Affordability =

The True Value of Water With the crisis in Flint, Michigan, gaining national headlines this past year, the public is becoming more aware of the true value of clean water.

Our number one priority at the MWA is to provide clean, safe drinking water to our customers. The MWA takes no shortcuts when it comes to water quality, safety, and affordability. We hold firm to our commitment to produce the Best-Tasting Water in North America.

5 • MaconWater.org

Water Quality

• MWA tap water has been named the Best Tasting Drinking Water in North America, as awarded by the American Water Works Association.

• The MWA goes above and beyond the minimum standards for regulatory compliance in water quality testing. The award-winning MWA Water Quality Lab at the Amerson Water Treatment Plant conducts nearly 8,500 tests per month — over 10 times the number of tests recommended by regulatory agencies.

• The source water for MWA drinking water production is of the highest quality as well. By pumping raw water into Javors Lucas Lake from the Ocmulgee River, which is a good source for drinking water because of its neutral pH, the MWA assures that its water resources produce high quality drinking water.

• The MWA invests continuously in upgrades to infrastructure and operations (see p. 17). In addition, the MWA is an autonomous government authority, so revenues are dedicated solely to the operation of the utility’s water and sewer system.

Water Safety

• The MWA complies with all U.S. EPA requirements for testing protocol and measurements of lead and copper in its drinking water. Detected levels of lead within the MWA’s drinking water system have always been below allowable limits. The MWA takes water samples for lead testing at the customer’s tap, where all MWA samples were fully compliant with EPA regulations.

• The MWA uses phosphate as a corrosive inhibitor during the drinking water production and distribution process.This additive provides a protective coating for pipes and prevents corrosive water, so metals from corroded pipes don’t leach into MWA drinking water.

• The MWA monitors pH throughout its system, including at the source (the Ocmulgee River and Javors Lucas Lake), at the production facility (the Amerson Water Treatment Plant), and within the distribution system. In doing so, the MWA has a scientific indicator that its water has a neutral pH and is noncorrosive, thus eliminating its potential to corrode pipes and leach potentially harmful metals into MWA drinking water.

• The MWA welcomes annual audits of its Amerson Water Treatment Plant by the Georgia EPD. Findings indicate the MWA is operating at an outstanding level of compliance.

Water Affordability

Pages 13-14 provide calculations that offer empirical evidence that the MWA produces drinking water that not only tastes great and is safe to drink, but also is extremely affordable and one of the best values in the industry.

For more information about MWA water quality, refer to our Consumer Confidence Report at www.maconwater.org/ccr.pdf. Consumers who are still concerned about lead exposure can contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or online at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

‘15 Our Awards

Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) People’s Choice Award for Best Tasting Drinking Water in Georgia GAWP Gold Award for the Amerson Water Treatment Plant for 100% permit compliance GAWP District 5 Top Operator Award for Ronnie Evans GAWP District 5 Best Tasting Drinking Water Award GAWP Platinum Award for the Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facility for 16 consecutive years of 100% permit compliance GAWP Gold Award for the Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facility for 100% permit compliance

MaconWater.org • 6

Public Outreach National Drinking Water Week

During the first week in May 2015, the Authority celebrated National Drinking Water Week.

Organized by the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is a unique opportunity for water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in our daily lives. The Authority recognized the Monday of Drinking Water Week as Water Professionals Appreciation Day, as designated by the Georgia State Legislature. The MWA also hosted an Open House at its Amerson Water Treatment Facility that week, with approximately 125 guests touring the plant.

Kids Fishing Derby

On June 13, 2015, the MWA hosted its annual Kids Fishing Derby, which has been recognized as the best public education initiative within Georgia’s water industry. During this 10th annual event, 267 participants and more than 500 guests enjoyed a free day of fishing and friendly competition at Javors Lucas Lake. In doing so, they received an up-close look at the importance of protecting this precious natural resource and source of MWA drinking water.

Ocmulgee Alive!

Another public education program recognized as the best industry event of its kind in Georgia is the Authority’s annual Ocmulgee Alive! River Cleanup. During two weekends in October, more than 400 volunteers participated. As a result, volunteers and sponsors helped raise awareness of the importance of protecting this source of MWA drinking water and popular site for outdoor recreation.

Adopt-A-Stream

The MWA is a partnering agency of Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, hosting Adopt-A-Stream training workshops annually and providing test kits for volunteers to conduct water quality testing on their local waterways.

Outdoor Education Field Trips & Tours

The MWA continues to partner with the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Bibb County Board of Education to host programming and tours for local students at Amerson River Park.

The Park reopened this past summer after receiving $5.5 million worth of improvements.

7 • MaconWater.org

Partnerships Clean Air Coalition

This past year, the MWA joined the Clean Air Coalition with Macon-Bibb County and 20 other Middle Georgia communities. The mission of the Clean Air Coalition is to work together to achieve measurable improvements in air quality within the region, while assuring that Central Georgia is in compliance with all elements of the U.S. Clean Air Act.

5x5 Program

The MWA continues to partner with the Macon-Bibb County Commission to implement the 5x5 Neighborhood Improvement Program. Through this initiative, local agencies and utilities concentrate their public services, maintenance activities, and upgrades block-by-block throughout the community.

Storm Water Management Services

Since 2008, the MWA has assisted the Macon-Bibb County Commission by providing technical and program management services on projects to rehabilitate storm water infrastructure.

Mercer University Observatory

Looking for the perfect site to construct an observatory, Mercer University turned to the MWA for help. The MWA and Mercer agreed to a 10-year lease, with two additional five-year options, for 125 acres of MWA property in Crawford County, which will be used for an astronomical observatory.

Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority

The MWA partners with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) to continually fund efforts for the benefit of all local governments, utilities, companies, and citizens. The MBCIA was created for the public purpose of promoting and expanding industry and trade within Macon-Bibb County and reducing unemployment to the greatest extent possible. The MBCIA develops and owns land in several industrial parks and leases manufacturing, warehousing, and office space.

Macon Economic Development Commission

The Macon Economic Development Commission (MEDC) is a marketing partner of the Macon Water Authority and is responsible for recruiting new industries to Macon-Bibb County as well as assisting those companies with expansion projects. Established as the single point of contact for business and economic development in Macon-Bibb County, the MEDC serves companies looking for sites and facilities in this area of Middle Georgia, providing convenient, efficient, and costeffective coordination and liaison services with local and state governments and agencies involved in economic development and the site location/relocation process.

MaconWater.org • 8

Economic

Development The MWA’s charter was revised by legislation to allow for an annual appropriation of $704,000 into a revolving fund earmarked for land acquisition and construction of infrastructure to create industrial sites to attract businesses to Macon-Bibb County. Those sites, such as the I-75 Business Park and Sofkee Industrial Park, are perfect for those looking for a commercial or industrial presence in Middle Georgia.

In addition, the Authority continues to partner with the MBCIA and the MEDC. Recently, the MWA acquired approximately 135 acres of land across from the I-75 Business Park that will be used to recruit new industry and jobs to Macon-Bibb County.

State project managers, site selectors, and others visit MWA facilities annually, reflecting the Authority’s critical role in educating decisionmakers in economic development about the utility’s capacity and capabilities. This past year, the MWA hosted guests during the annual Developers Day in Macon-Bibb County, when project managers from around the state were introduced to the community’s assets, including our award-winning water and sewer system.

Kumho Tire Manufacturing Plant is a perfect example of the intergovernmental partnerships between the Macon Water Authority, MBCIA, and MEDC that consistently supports economic development efforts in recruiting industry to the area.

The long-awaited, one-million-square-foot Kumho Tire manufacturing plant in Macon is on track to open in early 2016 in the Sofkee Industrial Park off GA 247. The Macon plant is expected to produce four million tires a year for Chrysler, Kia, and Hyundai. Macon is the site of the Korean-based company’s first North American manufacturing plant.

9 • MaconWater.org

Financial

Summary The MWA’s financial position remained solid in FY 2015. Using long-range planning — which includes affordable rate setting, five-year capital planning, and a conservative operational budgetary process — the Authority met its obligations to water and sewer customers as well as bondholders. The strength of the Authority’s balance sheet helped maintain its position as one of the most affordable and competitively priced water and sewer utilities within Georgia.

The MWA Bond Rating with Standard and Poor’s remained at investment grade “AA” and “Aa1” with Moody’s. During FY 2015, the Authority’s operating revenues were $50,029,863. Operating expenses, which included depreciation, totaled $46,236,477.

The Authority’s Amerson Water Treatment Plant produced and delivered over 9.1 billion gallons of the country’s best tasting drinking water. The Rocky Creek and Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Plants treated over 11.9 billion gallons of wastewater.

For complete details of MWA finances, please refer to the MWA Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) located online at www.maconwater.org.

MaconWater.org • 10

Revenue Total revenue: $50,681,750

• MWA revenue increased 5.5% over 2014.

Revenue

2013

2014

2015

$25 M

$20 M

$15 M

• Water revenue increased 7.5% over 2014.

• Sewer revenue increased 6.6% over 2014.

• Other operating revenues, including various permits and fees, decreased 15.5% from FY 2014. Non-operating revenue increased by $77,581, or 13.5%, over 2014.

$10 M

$5 M

$0 Water Revenue

Sewer Revenue

Other Operating Revenue

Non-Operating Revenue

Expenses Total expenses = $51,314,536

Operating expenses increased $2,579,226 over FY 2014. The primary drivers of this increase were: • Costs associated with the production and delivery of clean drinking water to customers increased by $641,812.

• Costs associated with the conveyance and treatment of sewer services increased by $575,830.

• Costs associated with the adoption of a new and required accounting policy from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board resulted in approximately $1,100,000 in pension related costs.

• Depreciation increased $84,754 over FY 2014.

Other Operating Revenue

Operating Revenue

Sewer Revenue

Water Revenue

$60 M

$50 M

$40 M

$30 M

$20 M

$10 M $0 2007

11 • MaconWater.org

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Financial Leverage The Authority’s Outstanding Debt

As of September 30, 2015, the MWA had $86.7 million in outstanding bond and notes payable debt. This compares with $91.7 million that was outstanding as of September 30, 2014.

Outstanding debt is comprised of water and sewer revenue bonds payable to bondholders in the amount of $84.7 million, as well as $2 million in notes payable to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA).

Water and sewer revenue bonds and low-interest GEFA loans have been a major financing tool for the renewal and replacement of MWA water and sewer infrastructure.

The Authority’s Debt Coverage

A measure of financial stability and responsible stewardship of financial resources is found in a healthy debt coverage ratio. Debt coverage is a calculation that assesses a business’ ability to pay principal and interest owed to its investors. Debt coverage is also a metric that contributes to the determination of bond ratings by public rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

The Authority’s coverage for 2015 was a very healthy 2.71. The Authority coverage ratio increased from 2.61 in 2014 and from 1.81 in 2013. Industry and bond covenant targets for debt coverage are set at 1.2.

The Authority Board sets a target for coverage at 1.75, so achieving a ratio of 2.71 significantly exceeded both the bond covenant requirements and the MWA Board target.

The Authority’s Bond Rating

The MWA maintained its strong “AA” rating with Standard & Poor’s and “Aa1” rating with Moody’s. These ratings reflect solid financial stewardship by both the Board and MWA Staff during 2015. Strong bond ratings allow the Authority to borrow at reduced interest rates and issue new debt at more favorable rates. In addition, due to strong financial management, the Authority continues to take advantage of historically low variable rates on $23.6 million of our outstanding debt that resulted in interest rates as low as 1/100th of a percentage point during 2015.

Balance Sheet Total Assets

Total Liabilities

Total Net Assets

2015

$319,199,430

$109,259,431

$211,669,812

2014

$327,435,055

$106,966,171

$211,302,721

2013

$328,184,874

$108,794,760

$220,481,788*

2012

$333,505,535

$105,446,297

$228,059,238

2011

$343,477,389

$114,245,054

$229,232,335

* Restated to accommodate change in accounting principle related to GASB 68 and change in capitalization Authority Debt

Authority Debt Long Term

Short Term

Debt Coverage

2015

$81,522,688

$5,181,115

2.71

2014

$86,698,839

$5,003,280

2.61

2013

$91,702,083

$5,040,849

1.81

2012

$86,742,546

$4,948,974

2.40

2011

$94,475,728

$5,301,427

3.21

MaconWater.org • 12

‘15 Our Awards

Affordability

The Georgia Section of the American Water Works Association’s (GAWWA) Operator’s Meritorious Service Award for Dale Moorehead, who was honored as the top operator in the state

Affordability of water and sewer services has been studied by governments and professional associations such the American Water Works Association for years in an effort to measure the economic impact of water and sewer rates on customers. The MWA measures its rates against several economic indicators, including the impact of water and sewer rates on median household income (MHI), the impact of rates on low wage earners, and the impact of rates on families living at the federal poverty level. It is often stated that water and sewer rates that require customers to pay under 2-2.5% (4-5% collectively) of MHI or wage earnings are considered affordable.

The Water Environment Federation’s Arthur Sidney Bedell Award for Darryl Macy, as a result of “extraordinary personal service” to the profession

How Much Does it Cost to Fill This Tank With...

Induction into the 5-S Society, an invitation-only exclusive group of industry leaders, for Jocelyn Hunt The President’s Volunteer Service Award (Silver) for 742.5 total hours of volunteer service by MWA employees

13 • MaconWater.org

MWA tap water = $32.25 Gasoline ($1.75/gallon) = $20,300 12-ounce bottled water ($1.09/bottle) = $134,869

11,600 Gallon Capacity

The two graphs below use the MHI for Macon-Bibb County from 2013, when the latest federal census data was available, of $25,773.

The graph below maps the impact to a wage earner who is paid $9/hour, or $18,750/year.

Typical Family of 1-4 People Using 5,500 Gallons a Month

Customer Working Full Time, Earning $9/hour, & Using 5,500 Gallons a Month

MWA Water Bill as % of MHI

MWA Water Bill as % of Annual Income

1.10%

MWA Sewer Bill as % of MHI 0.00%

MWA Sewer Bill as % of Annual Income

1.02% 0.50%

1.00%

1.50%

2.00%

0.00%

1.26% 0.50%

1.00%

0.50%

1.00%

1.50%

2.00%

(% Considered Affordable)

The graph below shows MWA’s affordability based on the Federal Poverty Level of $24,250/year for a family of four.

Family of 4 at the Poverty Level Using 5,500 Gallons of Water a Month

1.36%

MWA Sewer Bill as % of MHI

0.00%

1.09%

(% Considered Affordable)

Typical Family of 2-4 People Using 7,500 Gallons a Month

MWA Water Bill as % of MHI

1.50%

MWA Water Bill as % of Annual Income

1.50%

2.00%

(% Considered Affordable)

1.20%

MWA Sewer Bill as % of Annual Income 0.00%

1.09% 0.50%

1.00%

1.50%

2.00%

(% Considered Affordable)

MaconWater.org • 14

Competitiveness

The following value ranking is based on a family using 5,500 or 7,500 gallons of water during one month. Sewer rates also are included in these calculations.

Typical Family of 1-3

Typical Family of 2-4

A nationally recognized University Environmental Finance Center compiled data for 335 Georgia water and sewer utilities during 2015, documenting more than a dozen metrics such as rates, customer counts, and income levels.

Water used

5,500 Gallons

7,500 Gallons

Typical MWA monthly bill

$45.72

$56.39

Average monthly bill for utilities in the study

$57.48

$72.15

Based on this data, the MWA was again ranked as having some of the most affordable and value-based rates in the state of Georgia.

Highest rate charged by utilities in the study

$141.86

$195.14

Percent that a typical MWA monthly bill is lower than the average utility in the study

25.7%

27.9%

Percent that a typical MWA monthly bill is lower than the highest utility in study

210%

246%

The following value ranking is based on a sub-sample of the 335 utilities made up of 70 water and sewer utilities in Georgia, which serve customers with similar income levels as those found in the Macon-Bibb County area.

15 • MaconWater.org

Typical Family of 1-3

Typical Family of 2-4

Water used

5,500 Gallons

7,500 Gallons

Typical MWA monthly bill

$45.72

$56.39

Average monthly bill for utilities in the study

$50.70

$62.39

Highest rate charged by utilities in the study

$105.90

$127.04

Percent that a typical MWA monthly bill is lower than the average utility in the study

10.9%

10.6%

Percent that a typical MWA monthly bill is lower than the highest utility in study

132%

125%

Rate Comparisons of Water Providers in Georgia from Most to Least Expensive Monthly Bill Comparisons*

Typical Family of 1-3

Typical Family of 2-4

System

5,500 Gallons of Water Used

7,500 Gallons of Water Used

Atlanta (Inside City Limits)

$141.86

$193.45

Atlanta (Outside City Limits)

$136.72

$195.14

Jackson County Water & Sewer Authority

$96.70

$131.16

Cowetta County Water & Sewer Authority

$88.69

$117.63

Rockdale County Water & Sewer Authority

$83.51

$104.53

Paulding County

$82.68

$110.20

Gwinnett County

$82.19

$107.53

Twiggs County

$82.00

$102.00

Newton County Water & Sewer Authority

$79.41

$106.73

College Park

$77.07

$101.19

Marietta Water

$76.55

$101.51

Henry County Water & Sewer Authority

$76.26

$100.06

McDonough

$76.26

$100.06

Douglasville-Douglas County Water & Sewer Authority

$75.40

$100.92

Athens-Clarke County

$72.01

$102.70

Polk County Water Authority

$71.41

$97.57

Carroll County

$68.54

$92.91

City of Monroe

$68.32

$85.32

Cherokee County Water & Sewer Authority

$66.51

$90.91

Forsyth County

$63.92

$82.10

Butts County Water & Sewer Authority

$61.76

$82.76

City of Augusta

$60.95

$70.67

Jones County

$59.01

$73.01

Clayton County Water Authority

$58.45

$81.95

Savannah - (Outside City Limits)

$56.82

$77.48

Fulton County

$55.08

$72.60

Cobb County

$54.71

$73.67

Columbia County

$50.44

$59.80

Macon Water Authority

$45.72

$56.39

Columbus Water Works

$41.75

$54.15

Savannah - (Inside City Limits)

$39.19

$51.25 *Most recent rate survey data from the end of FY 2015

Long-Range Planning

& Capital Improvements

Macon Soils

In FY2015, Macon Soils landapplied 21,280 wet tons of biosolids that was generated by the MWA’s two Water Reclamation Plants on area farmlands.

They also land-applied 10,356 wet tons of Lime-Alum residuals generated by Cobb CountyMarietta Water Authority to land in the Cobb County area.

17 • MaconWater.org

‘15

The MWA operates an award-winning water and sewer system, as well as support services that range from administration and customer service to maintenance and operations in the field, and much more.

The MWA water system includes a 5.9 billion gallon water supply at Javors Lucas Lake and four-time Georgia Plant of the Year for the Amerson Water Treatment Plant. The distribution system features 1,425 miles of water main and service lines reaching more than 50,000 metered accounts. The MWA sewer system consists of approximately 1,000 miles of sewer lines collecting and conveying wastewater to either of the Authority’s two Water Reclamation Facilities.

MWA’s 2015 Capital Improvement Highlights:

• Began a strategic planning process to gather insights for the MWA’s five-year strategic plan, which addresses the sustainability of affordable and reliable utility services, operations, facilities, and related infrastructure.

• Authorized a contractual agreement to create a Master Water Distribution Plan to cover a 20year period of projected needs for the MWA water distribution system, enabling the utility to better prepare for necessary funding and construction. During the master planning process, the Authority will create an enhanced water distribution system computer model to simulate existing and future demand operations.

• Approved a contractual agreement to complete Phase 1 of the Lower Poplar and Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facilities Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which focuses on prioritizing a list of capital improvement projects according to customer needs and importance to system integrity, which will enhance the wastewater treatment services provided to MWA sewer customers. While Phase 1 involves the update to the CIP, additional phases yet to come will provide schematic design and contractor selection during Phase 2, design development during Phase 3, and construction and commissioning during the final Phase 4.

• Completed a major lighting retrofit project at MWA headquarters and support services center, resulting in a savings of approximately $35,000 annually in electrical costs and maintenance.

Our Awards

GAWP Collection System Platinum Award for scoring 95% or higher on the annual review of the MWA sewer system for five consecutive years The GAWP Certificate of Distinguished Merit for the MWA Amerson Water Treatment Plant Laboratory The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for the 18th consecutive year The GFOA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting

MaconWater.org • 18

Macon Water Authority 790 2nd Street Macon, GA 31201 (478) 464-5600 MaconWater.org