Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval of a Resolution finding that adopting more stringent local water efficiency requirements is justified by local factors; that the Board of Commissioners is considering codifying those requirements in the local code as an amendment to the Georgia Plumbing Code, which is referenced by and fully incorporated into the Fulton County Code; directing that the amendment be submitted by staff to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for review prior to formal adoption pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25(c)(1); and for other purposes. (APPROVED UPON ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA)
body
Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-572 established the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (“MNGWPD”) and charged it with addressing comprehensive water resource management planning from a regional perspective through policies, plans, and intergovernmental coordination. O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25(c)(1) requires that Local Amendments to the Plumbing Code be submitted to DCA for review and comment 60 days prior to adoption.
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 (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
In December 2022, the MNGWPD updated the Water Resources Management Plan to include new requirements for water providers within the MNGWPD, which includes Fulton County. These new requirements included Action Item WSWC-8, which requires an increase in indoor and outdoor water efficiency through new requirements adopted as local plumbing code amendments. As a member of the MNGWPS, Fulton County is required to adopt these amendments by January 1, 2024.
Georgia established itself as a national leader in water efficiency requirements when the state passed the Water Stewardship Act of 2010, which directed the DCA to set more efficient state-wide minimums for indoor water efficiency. In the past 11 years, new water efficient technologies and standards have been developed, and more efficient technologies have become widely available at comparable prices in the marketplace that further increase indoor and outdoor water efficiency. These technologies and practices are included as part of the Metro Water District - Water Efficiency Code Requirements.
Scope of Work:
The Department of Public Works requests approval of a Resolution finding that adopting more stringent local water efficiency requirements is justified by local factors, that the Board of Commissioners is considering codifying those requirements into local code as an amendment to the Georgia Plumbing Code, which is referenced and fully incorporated by the Fulton County Code at Section 10-38, and directing that the amendment be submitted by staff to the DCA.
Community Impact:
The new water efficiency code requirements incorporate the latest water-efficiency products that are readily available in the marketplace and will apply to new construction of homes and multi-family properties, as well as building renovations, effective January 1, 2024. Requirements for water-efficient plumbing fixtures, equipment, and irrigation system components are one of many key water conservation strategies in the updated plan that will help protect our region’s limited water supplies. According to the MNGWPD, the adoption of the indoor and outdoor residential plumbing code changes could save up to 24,000 gallons of water per home annually. These new requirements will apply to all new and redevelopment activity occurring in the unincorporated portions of Fulton County.
Department Recommendation:
The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the Resolution and submission to the DCA of the proposed changes for review.
Project Implications:
The County could incur fines and other penalties, including potential impacts to water and wastewater permits, if it does not adopt the Resolution and subsequent amendments to the Plumbing Codes. Additionally, failure to adopt the Resolution could potentially 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 resolution.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
n/a