County Officials Discuss Backup Power Requirements for Community Water Systems Post-Hurricane

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Bulloch County, Georgia, focused on critical discussions surrounding community water systems and the need for backup power generators in light of recent hurricane-related challenges.

One of the main topics addressed was the vulnerability of private and community water systems during power outages, particularly highlighted by last year's hurricane. Several residents experienced prolonged water shortages, raising concerns about safety and fire protection. The commission discussed the necessity of updating standards for community water systems to align more closely with municipal systems, particularly regarding the requirement for permanent on-site backup generators.

The proposed regulations would mandate that new or expanded community water systems, defined by a cumulative total of 25 equivalent residential units (ERUs), must have backup generators capable of powering the entire system during outages. This requirement aims to prevent the issues faced during the last hurricane, where many residents were left without water for days.

Commission members debated the specifics of the generator requirements, including fuel storage and maintenance. Concerns were raised about the practicality of ensuring that generators have sufficient fuel to operate effectively during emergencies. Some members suggested that regulations should include specifications for fuel capacity to ensure that generators remain operational when needed.

The discussion also touched on the potential for the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to provide temporary generator support to community water systems during crises. However, the consensus was that the responsibility for maintaining and fueling the generators should ultimately rest with the operators of the water systems.

As the commission prepares for its next meeting, further discussions will focus on refining these proposed regulations to enhance the resilience of community water systems against future emergencies. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the safety and reliability of water services in Bulloch County.