Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval of a Service Account Agreement Letter - Department of Public Works, Drinking Water Laboratory, and Related Services in the amount not to exceed $30,000.00 from the State of Georgia / DNR - Environmental Protection Division (EPD) (Atlanta, GA), to provide drinking water laboratory and related services for the contract period effective from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Effective upon BOC approval. (APPROVED UPON ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
Under FCC Sec. 1-117, the Board of Commissioners may “exercise such other powers as are granted by law or are indispensable to their jurisdiction over county matters.” In addition, under O.C.G.A § 36-10-1 contracts entered into by a county governing authority shall be in writing and spread upon the minutes.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this agreement and continued participation in this program.
Scope of Work: Regular laboratory testing of the drinking water provided by Fulton County to customers in the North Fulton service area is required as a condition of Fulton County’s Permit to Operate a Public Community Water System (Permit #1210005). The State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Watershed Protection Branch, Drinking Water Program offers laboratory testing and related services that are not otherwise readily available to drinking water utilities in the State of Georgia. Fulton County has traditionally been a participant in this program.
The Drinking Water Laboratory and Related Services letter contract period is from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Public Works is requesting approval of $30,000.00 for drinking water laboratory and related services provided by the Environmental Protection Division on behalf of Fulton County. The requested amount includes funding for the anticipated annual service costs, any potential fee adjustments, and additional testing that may be required during the contract period. These services are necessary in order for Fulton County to comply with all conditions of the Permit to Operate a Public Community Water System and with the Georgia Rules for Safe Drinking Water, the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act, and the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act and associated regulations.
This laboratory services contract offers Fulton County compliance assistance by providing scheduling, analytical testing, and reporting on the water system’s behalf. Funding for this agreement has been budgeted by Public Works as part of the 2026 budget.
Community Impact: Testing by the Georgia EPD provides the community with enhanced confidence in the quality of drinking water provided to our customers. These testing services are provided for the service area of the North Fulton County Water System.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this letter contract and continued participation in this program.
Project Implications: These services are already planned within the Department’s budget, service provision, and operations.
Community Issues/Concerns: No issues or concerns have been raised concerning having the State perform these testing services for Fulton County.
Department Issues/Concerns: No issues or concerns have been raised by the Department regarding this letter contract.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
202-540-5453-1160