Understanding the Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority

To our valued customers and neighbors in Walker County,

We want to take a moment to provide clarity about the Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority (WCWSA) and how we operate. As a vital part of our community, we believe it’s important for everyone to understand our structure, purpose, and how we work to provide you with a safe and reliable water supply.

We Are a Government Entity, but We Are Not Part of the County Government

A common misconception is that the WCWSA is a department of the Walker County government. While we are a government entity, we operate independently of the main county government and its budget. We were created by an act of the Georgia State Legislature as a quasi-governmental authority. This structure allows us to focus specifically on managing the water and sewerage systems for our community.

This is a crucial distinction. We do not receive funding from your tax dollars, nor do we operate on a profit-driven model. Our revenue comes directly from the rates you pay for your water and sewer services. Every dollar is reinvested back into the system to maintain, improve, and expand our infrastructure for your benefit.

We Are Governed by a Board of Directors, Not a Private Owner

The WCWSA is a public entity, not a privately owned company. As required by our charter—which was established by the State of Georgia—the Walker County Board of Commissionersis tasked with appointing the members of our Board of Directors. These local citizens volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the Authority operates efficiently and in the best interest of the community.

Since we are a government entity, no private person or company receives profits from the WCWSA. Our mission is to provide an essential public service—not to generate profits for shareholders. The Board’s primary role is to manage the system responsibly and ensure the long-term sustainability of our water and sewer services for everyone in Walker County.

We Deliver More Than Just Water

When you turn on your tap, you’re not just buying water. You are paying for the service of having clean, safe drinking water delivered to your home with sufficient pressure, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our service includes:

• Purity: We rigorously test our water multiple      times a day to meet and exceed all state and federal standards for      quality. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
• Pressure: The water system is a complex      network of pumps, pipes, and tanks that ensures water arrives at your home      with the necessary pressure for daily use, from showering to washing      dishes.
• Reliability: We work around the clock to      maintain our system, respond to emergencies, and ensure uninterrupted      service, regardless of the time of day or night.

Please understand that even with constant maintenance, unexpected issues can arise. Water main breaks that may interrupt service are a natural part of any business that relies on underground infrastructure. These breaks are often caused by factors outside of our control, such as:

• Aging Infrastructure: Many of the pipes in our      system have been in the ground for decades and have a finite lifespan.
• Temperature and Ground Changes: Extreme hot or      cold weather and shifting soil can put immense pressure on pipes, causing      them to crack.
• Corrosion: Over time, certain soil types can      cause pipes to corrode and weaken.
• Accidental Damage: Construction work or other      digging can sometimes accidentally strike and damage a buried pipe.

Understanding What Drives Your Rates

The rates you pay for water and sewer usage are directly tied to the significant costs of operating and maintaining a public utility. These costs include:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: We manage hundreds      of miles of water lines and sewer pipes, pump stations, storage tanks, and      treatment facilities. Regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades are      essential to prevent leaks, breaks, and service interruptions.
• Energy & Operations: The process of      treating, pumping, and delivering water is energy-intensive. A large      portion of our budget goes toward electricity to power our pumps and      facilities.
• Treatment Chemicals: We use a variety of      chemicals to purify the water and ensure it is safe for consumption, all      in compliance with strict regulations.
• Staffing: Our team includes licensed water and      wastewater operators, engineers, and customer service representatives who      work tirelessly to manage the system, respond to emergencies, and assist      you with your needs.
• Regulatory Compliance: We are subject to      stringent regulations from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division      (EPD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which require      continuous monitoring, testing, and reporting.

Your water usage rates and, where applicable, your sewer usage rates, directly fund these essential operations. When a leak occurs or a pump fails, the costs of fixing it are absorbed by the system and ultimately reflected in the overall cost of service. By understanding what drives these costs, we hope you can better appreciate the value and complexity of the service we provide.

Thank you for being a part of the Walker County community. We are proud to serve you and are committed to transparency and providing you with the highest quality service possible.