2024 Annual Stormwater Management Report Highlights Improvements and Achievements
Company News
The Macon Water Authority’s (MWA) Stormwater Management Division has completed another year of extensive infrastructure improvements, proactive maintenance, and community service. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the team demonstrated its commitment to reducing flooding risks, improving stormwater systems, and engaging with the community.
Proactive Measures and Achievements
MWA focused on addressing infrastructure issues before they could escalate into major flooding problems. The team’s proactive approach included ditching, storm pipe cleaning and repairs, street sweeping, and catch basin maintenance. Notably, Macon-Bibb County experienced 53.14 inches of rainfall in 2024, measured by the Tempest rain gauge at Fifth Street.
Infrastructure Management
MWA’s extensive responsibilities include maintaining the following:
- 24,000 catch basins
- 858 miles of ditches
- 409 miles of storm drainpipes
- 14 public detention ponds
- 5.3 miles of Macon-Bibb levee
The team achieved impressive results:
- 2,114 catch basins cleaned, removing 2,471 tons of debris.
- 8,400 feet of stormwater pipe repaired or replaced, with 81,931 feet cleaned and 414,513 feet inspected.
- 75,946 feet of ditches cleaned, equating to over 14 miles.
- 997 miles of streets were swept, removing 1,565.89 tons of debris.
Key Projects and Investments
The Stormwater Management Division completed three major capital projects in 2024, with two still in progress, three in land acquisition, and six awaiting funding or design. Highlights include:
- Completed: 4473 Old Club Road and Hyde Park improvements.
- In Progress: Plum Street Lane and Poplar Street Lane.
- Future Projects: Central Business District upgrades and Walnut Street improvements.
The division’s $7.31 million annual budget, supplemented by $2.4 million in SPLOST funding, enabled these initiatives. Additionally, a new street sweeper was added to the fleet to enhance efficiency.
Improved Response and Community Impact
MWA resolved 3,465 work orders in 2024, including 1,028 citizen requests. The division also reduced flash flooding in historically problematic areas, removed them from the “hot spot” list, and improved response times for work orders.
Moreover, MWA enhanced its compliance with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations, inspecting nearly 80 miles of storm pipes and 429 miles of ditches.
Community Engagement and Charity
Beyond infrastructure, MWA organized its fourth annual Christmas charity drive, collecting over 420 pounds of donations for the Daybreak Homeless Resource Center. Residents frequently thanked the Stormwater Management team for its efforts to mitigate flooding and improve neighborhoods.
Acknowledgments
Director of Stormwater Management, Marvin Land, expressed gratitude to the MWA administration and board for their support, ensuring another successful year in stormwater management. The division’s efforts resulted in a cleaner, safer environment for Macon-Bibb County residents.
Looking ahead, MWA remains committed to addressing infrastructure challenges and enhancing stormwater systems to better serve the community.
Media Contact
Rachad Hollis- Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
Phone: (478) 464-5600
Email: rhollis@maconwater.org