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DeKalb County announces water bill amnesty with dollar-for-dollar payment match
Summary
On Aug. 12, 2025, DeKalb County approved a water bill amnesty program that the county says will match dollar-for-dollar payments toward qualifying outstanding balances and expand assistance through its Rate Assistance Program; residents are urged to contact customer care at (404) 371-6261.
On Aug. 12, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved a water bill amnesty program that, according to a county agency official, will provide a dollar-for-dollar match on payments made toward qualifying outstanding balances.
The official said the program is intended to help customers avoid service interruptions by combining flexible payment plans with existing assistance. "If you're behind on your water bill, now is the time to act," the agency official said, urging residents to contact county customer care for options.
County officials said the effort builds on the Rate Assistance Program (RAP) launched in August 2025 in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. The speaker reported that 748 residents have applied to RAP and that more than 400 households have qualified for assistance, figures the county presented as evidence of need and early uptake.
The new debt-forgiveness element will "provide a dollar-for-dollar match on payments made towards outstanding balances for qualifying customers," the official said, describing it as an unprecedented program meant to reduce arrears while maintaining essential water service.
The announcement clarified that DeKalb County has resumed its normal collection process but emphasized the county's stated goal is not to disconnect service: staff will work with customers to provide solutions and to protect the system's long-term sustainability. Residents who believe their bill is inaccurate can request an account review by customer care.
The county provided a contact number for assistance: (404) 371-6261, and the official urged those with past-due notices not to wait to seek help.
The Board approved the program on Aug. 12, 2025; the announcement did not specify implementation timelines, eligibility criteria details, or whether matching funds are capped. Those clarifications were not addressed in the announcement.
