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DeKalb County Faces Major Water Bill Headache

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DeKalb County residents discussing water issues in front of local infrastructure.

News Summary

DeKalb County is grappling with a staggering $22 million water bill owed to Atlanta, stemming from a long-standing intergovernmental agreement. Amid escalating water costs and infrastructure issues, community voices are rising against unfair billing practices, particularly affecting low-income residents. With proposed rate hikes and ongoing negotiations, the struggle for equitable water access continues.

DeKalb County Faces Major Water Bill Headache

DeKalb County is grappling with a jaw-dropping $22 million water bill that it owes the city of Atlanta. This hefty amount stems from the county’s reliance on the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Plant. Both DeKalb and Atlanta officials are keeping tight-lipped about the specifics of this outstanding bill, which has been accumulating for quite some time. Meanwhile, negotiations are being held between the two governments to settle on a “near-term payment” for this growing debt.

A Long-Standing Agreement

The roots of this issue go back many decades. It all traces back to a federal intergovernmental agreement (IGA) established in 1968, which last saw amendments in 1999. According to this arrangement, DeKalb County is obligated to pay service fees and contribute towards capital improvements for wastewater treatment to Atlanta. Currently, DeKalb County is looking at a capital improvement payment of $17.3 million, tied to upgrades and repairs carried out at the R.M. Clayton facility between late 2018 and mid-2019.

Unpacking the Debt

A glance at the situation reveals that DeKalb County had a striking balance of $45 million owed as of a presentation in 2022, with billing issues largely stemming from invoicing that occurred in 2019. This growing financial burden raises myriad concerns for residents, especially those living in low-income communities that are disproportionately affected by expensive water bills and the potential for water shut-offs.

Water Inequality on the Rise

Sadly, the struggle is not just about the numbers; it has real-world implications. A recent study revealed a troubling trend in DeKalb County: as the proportion of Black residents in certain areas increases, so do the instances of water shut-offs. This is particularly alarming for more vulnerable demographics, including residents who may have disabilities or families struggling to make ends meet.

Proposed Rate Hikes and Infrastructure Costs

In the midst of this chaos, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is deliberating on proposed water rate hikes that could send rates skyrocketing by an astounding 115% by the year 2034. This ambitious plan aims to cover astronomical estimated repair costs of $3 billion needed for the county’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.

The Stakes Are High

Without these increases in water rates, the county risks not having enough funding to ensure proper repairs. The lack of action could lead to disastrous failures within the water supply system — a chilling thought for residents who count on reliable water access.

Compliance with Federal Regulations

Adding another layer of complexity to the scenario is the fact that DeKalb County is under a federal consent decree, issued in 2010, mandating repairs to its sewage system that has been known to pollute local streams and rivers. The urgency for repairs has been compounded by the lifting of previous moratoriums on water shut-offs that had been in place since 2016. As a result, approximately 4,600 shut-offs occurred in 2023 alone, leaving many residents reeling.

Community Voices and Advocacy

Across the county, residents are voicing their frustrations over steep water bills. A surge of community activism has given rise to groups like DeKalb Water Watch, fighting against what many perceive as unfair billing practices. Individual stories have surfaced, highlighting instances where homeowners endured exorbitant bills due to delays in addressing leaks, whether by the county or property owners.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds in DeKalb County, residents are left wondering what the future holds for their water bills and the ongoing struggles faced due to increasing rates and persistent inequalities. Whether DeKalb County can effectively negotiate with Atlanta and implement a fair and equitable water management system remains to be seen. The stakes are high, and the community is paying close attention.

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Additional Resources

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