Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
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Request approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Fulton County and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) for continued participation in the District-wide Multi-family High Efficiency (HET) Toilet Rebate Program administered by the MNGWPD and pursuant to the requirements of the MNGWPD’s Water Resource Management Plan, in the amount of $25,000.00, for one year; to authorize the Chairman to execute each agreement and related documents; to authorize the County Attorney to approve as to form and make modifications as necessary to protect the County’s interests prior to execution; and for other purposes effective upon execution. (APPROVED)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
Emergency Water Conservation Measures (Board Item #07-0889) outlined a three-phased plan designed to encourage customers to reduce water usage. In addition to the three-phased plan, the Board agreed to participate in the toilet retrofit rebate program.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☒
District 2 ☒
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☐
District 6 ☐
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background
The Department of Public Works recommends approval of a MOA for continued participation in the MNGWPD’s Multi-family High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program as outlined in the MNGWPD's Water Resource Management Plan. The program applies to multi-family homes (e.g. apartments, townhomes, and condominiums) built prior to 1993 and is administered by the MNGWPD similar to the single-family toilet rebate program.
On March 16, 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved the 5th MOA with the MNGWPD (Board Item # 22-0175) allowing for Fulton County’s participation in the District-wide multi-family toilet retrofit program. Under the 2022 MOA, no rebates were issued. For 2023, the MNGWPD is pursuing alternative ways to promote participation in the program. The 2023 MOA represents the 6th year Fulton County will participate in the program.
In June 2010, Georgia adopted new standards to require more efficient plumbing fixtures with the Water Stewardship Bill. Starting in July 2012 high efficiency toilets (HETs) that use no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf) were required to be installed in residences. Additionally, the MNGWPD’s Water Supply and Water Conservation Plan requires the implementation of a strategy to distribute, install, or provide incentives to replace higher flow fixtures in multi-family properties built in or prior to 1993.
The Multi-family High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program provides $75 rebates to the owners of townhomes, condominiums, and apartment dwellings that replace existing high-water-use toilets with ultra-high-efficiency toilets (UHET) using 1.1 gpf or less that have also received the EPA WaterSense certification. Effective July 1, 2021, high efficiency toilets (HET) using 1.28 gpf are no longer eligible for rebates. The maximum rebate amount allowed per property is $15,000.00. The program is administered by MNGWPD and includes a post-inspection component conducted by the MNGWPD.
Scope of Work:
Community Impact: Since the start of the program, Fulton County has issued 100 rebates totaling $8,175 and has saved an estimated 2,939 gallons per day in water in water usage for the County. Continued participation in the Program would allow Public Works the ability to provide customers with incentives to encourage water conservation and assist in meeting the MNGWPD’s goal of 11% reduction in per capita water usage by 2030.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the MOA for the continued participation in the District-wide Toilet Retrofit program for Multi-Use residences with the MNGWPD.
Project Implications: The implementation of a program to replace older, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilets in single- and multi-family home is a requirement of the MNGWPD Water Resource Management Plan. Failure to participate in the program could impact Fulton County’s ability to meet the MNGWPD’s goal of 11% reduction in per capita water usage by 2030.
Community Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works is not aware of any issues/concerns raised by the community.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works does not have any issues or concerns with the agreement.
History of BOC Agenda Item:
Board Item Nos: 18-0106 (February 21, 2018); 19-0256 (April 10, 2019); 20-0214 (March 18, 2020); 21-0201 (March 17, 2021), 22-0175 (March 16, 2022).
Additional Information:
To protect the interests of the County, the County Attorney shall approve the [e.g., contract, Intergovernmental Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, etc.] as to form and substance, and make any necessary modification, prior to execution by the Chairman.