Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Villa Rica to adopt EPD-aligned drought ordinance as utilities win state compliance awards
Summary
Council agreed to adopt the Metro North Georgia/EPD drought ordinance to retain Water First status and clarified plans for public education on water conservation; staff also announced the water/wastewater utilities achieved perfect compliance and will receive awards next week.
Utilities staff told the Villa Rica City Council on May 5 that the city must adopt the Metro North Georgia district’s drought ordinance to comply with Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) rules and to preserve the city’s Water First designation. Mr. Bane said adopting the district ordinance clarifies the city’s enforcement authority and provides the response framework required by the district.
The council emphasized education as its first line of response and directed staff to post drought guidance and a level-one drought declaration on social media, together with public-education materials about septic-system operation, water treatment and stormwater management. Mr. Bane said the district had requested a good-faith letter and that the city was updating its plan in advance of a June district vote.
Separately, staff announced that the city’s water and wastewater treatment teams achieved perfect compliance for the calendar year and will receive awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals; the award presentation is scheduled at the next council meeting.
Next steps: council placed the drought ordinance on the consent list and directed staff to run public-education posts and materials; no contentious debate occurred during the work session.
