Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval and adoption of the North Fulton Water Distribution Masterplan. (APPROVED)
body
Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
This item is presented for outlining the future Capital Improvement needs of the Public Works Department. Complying with the Georgia Rules for Safe Drinking Water, promulgated under the Clean Water Act.
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 the fall of 2023, Public Works, with the assistance from the consulting firm Jacobs Engineering, undertook a 25-year study to assess the current water distribution infrastructure in the area served by Fulton County Public Works in the North Fulton area. The study included participation of the North Fulton cities served by the water distribution system including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Roswell.
Public Works and Jacobs Engineering staff met with each city to review their current development and comprehensive plans to better understand the types and densities of new and redevelopment each city is anticipating over the next twenty-five years. These development plants, as well as population projections from the Atlanta Regional Commission, were used to develop water distribution needs for 2025, 2025 - 2030, 2030 - 2035, 2035 - 2040, 2040 - 2050 planning years.
Scope of Work:
The Master Plan finds that average day water demands in the North Fulton Distribution are projected to increase by 9.1 MGD from 26.8 MGD in 2024 to 36 MGD in 2050. This results in an increase of maximum day demand from 40.2 MGD to 54 MGD over the same period. The study identified 46 unique projects to be implemented over the 5 planning phases with a planning level estimated cost of $278.7 million. Major projects include:
- completing the major transmission main to more efficiently carry water to the northwestern portion of the County;
- connecting large pipes and small pipes within close proximity to boost system pressures;
- implementing 6 low pressure zones in current high pressure areas to reduce background water leakage and meter failures;
- adding water tank storage to existing tank sites and adding mixers to existing tank sites; and
- constructing several booster pump stations for both average daily demand and emergency demand needs.
The study showed that the average day demand in 2050 of 36 MGD does not exceed Fulton County’s current allowed use of 45 MGD at the Atlanta-Fulton County Tom Lowe Water Treatment Plant so expansion of the water treatment plant is not recommended at this time
Community Impact: The continued improvement of the water distribution system and associated infrastructure is necessary to ensure that future growth can be accommodated.
Department Recommendation: The Public Works Department recommends approval of this item.
Project Implications: Without an updated and improved water distribution system, growth will be limited in the North Fulton Water Distribution System. Master plans and their regular updates are also now required by the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District every 5 years. This plan outlines the expected investment required to keep pace with the expected development and associated levels of service.
Community Issues/Concerns: The findings of the Master Plan were presented to all of the impacted City’s Community Development and relevant Public Works staff during the month of January. All the city’s staff provided support for the plan and necessary improvements to support their growth with emphasis on coordination between the cities and the County over new water storage tanks as well as possible traffic impacts of major projects like the transmission main.
Department Issues/Concerns: Public Works staff supports the improvements outlined in this study.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
n/a