Infrastructure

Here in DeKalb County, we pride ourselves on providing essential services to our diverse community. While our county serves a kaleidoscope of people and places, one aspect is shared by all: everybody needs clean, reliable water.

With my support, DeKalb is adopting a forward looking stance in addressing our water and sewer infrastructure needs, investing $1.25 billion since 2017. However, over the past decade the county implemented only one modest increase of 6% in 2022.  

Through careful management and optimization efforts, we’ve delayed additional increases as long as possible, but the beginning of 2025 indicated that the challenges we face require immediate action. 

The impact of post-COVID inflation on our infrastructure projects has been substantial. For example, the crucial improvements needed at our Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant were estimated at $250 million in January 2024 but now stand at $294 million. Construction costs across the board have increased by 40%, with some materials, like ductile iron, seeing increases of up to 80%.

Protecting Our Water Supply for Future Generations

DeKalb County faces a unique challenge: We’re the only county of our size in metro Atlanta with a single water source – the Chattahoochee River – and one water treatment plant. This makes the maintenance and upgrading of our infrastructure particularly critical for our community’s future.

To address these challenges while maintaining fiscal responsibility, we’ve implemented extensive cost-saving measures that have generated over $164 million in revenue savings from 2021 through 2024. These efforts include:

  • Reducing water loss ($1 million saved)
  • Maximizing low-interest debt ($79 million in costs avoided)
  • Improving commercial account auditing ($26.4 million collected)
  • Implementing a meter changeout program ($2 million collected)

Looking Ahead: Strategic Rate Adjustments

Starting July 2025, DeKalb County will implement a carefully planned rate adjustment schedule through 2035. The approved adjustment of 10% for each year over the next 10 years will help fund critical infrastructure improvements while continuing our commitment to optimization and cost reduction. Our future optimization efforts are projected to save an additional $346 million, which will help minimize the impact of inflationary pressures on our residents.

The rate adjustments, which passed with a 5-2 vote, will support:

  • Critical repairs and improvements to the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant
  • Ongoing water and sewer infrastructure projects
  • Replacement of 1942-era components, pumps, and plant controls
  • Essential system maintenance and upgrades

The next rate increase will take effect on January 1, 2026.

We remain committed to seeking additional funding sources, including federal and state grants, SPLOST funds, and low-interest loans. We’ve applied for $52 million in grant funding and are working closely with federal and state partners to maximize available resources.

The Board of Commissioners understands that any rate adjustment impacts our residents. That’s why we’ve worked diligently to optimize operations, reduce costs, and delay increases as long as possible. These carefully structured adjustments will ensure that DeKalb County can continue to provide the reliable, high-quality water service our community expects and deserves.

We’re always happy to hear from you as we work to move DeKalb County forward. You can contact us at district1@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Investing in DeKalb’s Water Future: Understanding the 2025 Rate Adjustment

August 14, 2025

Here in DeKalb County, we pride ourselves on providing essential services to our diverse community. While our county serves a kaleidoscope of people and places, one aspect is shared by all: everybody needs clean, reliable water.

With my support, DeKalb is adopting a forward looking stance in addressing our water and sewer infrastructure needs, investing $1.25 billion since 2017. However, over the past decade the county implemented only one modest increase of 6% in 2022.  

Through careful management and optimization efforts, we've delayed additional increases as long as possible, but the beginning of 2025 indicated that the challenges we face require immediate action. 

The impact of post-COVID inflation on our infrastructure projects has been substantial. For example, the crucial improvements needed at our Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant were estimated at $250 million in January 2024 but now stand at $294 million. Construction costs across the board have increased by 40%, with some materials, like ductile iron, seeing increases of up to 80%.

Protecting Our Water Supply for Future Generations

DeKalb County faces a unique challenge: We're the only county of our size in metro Atlanta with a single water source – the Chattahoochee River – and one water treatment plant. This makes the maintenance and upgrading of our infrastructure particularly critical for our community's future.

To address these challenges while maintaining fiscal responsibility, we've implemented extensive cost-saving measures that have generated over $164 million in revenue savings from 2021 through 2024. These efforts include:

  • Reducing water loss ($1 million saved)
  • Maximizing low-interest debt ($79 million in costs avoided)
  • Improving commercial account auditing ($26.4 million collected)
  • Implementing a meter changeout program ($2 million collected)

Looking Ahead: Strategic Rate Adjustments

Starting July 2025, DeKalb County will implement a carefully planned rate adjustment schedule through 2035. The approved adjustment of 10% for each year over the next 10 years will help fund critical infrastructure improvements while continuing our commitment to optimization and cost reduction. Our future optimization efforts are projected to save an additional $346 million, which will help minimize the impact of inflationary pressures on our residents.

The rate adjustments, which passed with a 5-2 vote, will support:

  • Critical repairs and improvements to the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant
  • Ongoing water and sewer infrastructure projects
  • Replacement of 1942-era components, pumps, and plant controls
  • Essential system maintenance and upgrades

The next rate increase will take effect on January 1, 2026.

We remain committed to seeking additional funding sources, including federal and state grants, SPLOST funds, and low-interest loans. We've applied for $52 million in grant funding and are working closely with federal and state partners to maximize available resources.

The Board of Commissioners understands that any rate adjustment impacts our residents. That's why we've worked diligently to optimize operations, reduce costs, and delay increases as long as possible. These carefully structured adjustments will ensure that DeKalb County can continue to provide the reliable, high-quality water service our community expects and deserves.

We're always happy to hear from you as we work to move DeKalb County forward. You can contact us at district1@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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