[Macon, GA – 4/05/2024] — The Macon Water Authority (MWA) prioritizes effective stormwater management for Macon-Bibb County. Since taking over maintenance responsibility from Macon-Bibb County on January 1, 2021, the MWA has enacted a comprehensive policy manual that outlines the Extent of Service and Level of Service.
The policy, established by the MWA Board, clarifies that stormwater maintenance responsibility typically lies within the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way encompasses the space required to construct and maintain public infrastructure, including roads, ditches, sidewalks, and utility lines. However, in some instances, responsibility can extend to private property if authorized drainage easements have been recorded on their property deed in the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. It is important to note that the MWA does not maintain any Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) right-of-way.
The MWA works collaboratively with MBC Public Works to ensure comprehensive stormwater management. Our Extent of Service includes regular street sweeping for all Macon-Bibb County curbed streets, cleaning storm pipes and catch basins, conducting ditching activities, maintaining the 5.3-mile Macon Levee at Ocmulgee River, repairing or replacing storm pipes within the right-of-way, and overseeing the maintenance of 14 public detention ponds. MWA annually inspects 20% of all stormwater infrastructure to comply with EPD regulations. Other responsibilities include repairing or replacing catch basin frames and missing lids and monitoring over 50 identified flooding areas known as “Hot Spots.”
While private property owners play a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff on their land, including implementing measures like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and detention basins, it is essential for them to understand and comply with local regulations regarding stormwater management. In the event of a sinkhole on private property, the responsibility for repairs routinely falls on the homeowner, necessitating prompt action to prevent further damage. Similarly, the responsibility for sinkholes on private roads generally lies with the landowner or property owners association.
The MWA remains committed to protecting water quality and ensuring clean and safe water access for our community. We can effectively manage stormwater and create a sustainable environment by working together.
The MWA takes pride in reporting the significant accomplishments achieved in stormwater maintenance over the past three years:
2021:
– 3,089 catch basins cleaned
– 3,485 tons of debris removed from catch basins
– 213 catch basin lids replaced
– 127 catch basin frames replaced
– 17 miles of storm pipe cleaned
– 7.45 miles of ditches cleaned/excavated
– 554.96 miles of curb swept
– 2,096 tons of debris removed by street sweeping
– 123 cave-ins repaired
– 2,421 citizen request work orders completed
– 9 driveways installed
– 14 public detention ponds mowed (5 times)
– Macon Levee maintained 5.3 miles (5 times)
– $715,000 spent on Capital Improvement Projects through SPLOST funding
– $840,000 spent on Small Projects and Emergencies through SPLOST funding
2022:
– 3,089 catch basins cleaned
– 3,879 tons of debris removed from catch basins
– 447 catch basin lids replaced
– 122 catch basin frames replaced
– 13.12 miles of storm pipe cleaned
– 12.93 miles of ditches cleaned/excavated
– 909.63 miles of curb swept
– 3,156 tons of debris removed by street sweeping
– 130 cave-ins repaired
– 2,820 citizen request work orders completed
– 14 driveways installed
– 14 public detention ponds mowed (5 times)
– Macon Levee maintained 5.3 miles (5 times)
– $1,513,579 spent on Capital Improvement Projects through SPLOST funding
– $1,752,891 spent on Small Projects and Emergencies through SPLOST funding
2023:
– 4,141 catch basins cleaned
– 2,937 tons of debris removed from catch basins
– 225 catch basin lids replaced
– 148 catch basin frames replaced
– 18.82 miles of storm pipe cleaned
– 12.98 miles of ditches cleaned/excavated
– 885.75 miles of curb swept
– 1,592.50 tons of debris removed by street sweeping
– 69 cave-ins repaired
– 4,497 citizen request work orders completed
– 14 driveways installed
– 14 public detention ponds mowed (5 times)
– Macon Levee maintained 5.3 miles (5 times)
– $1,292,692 spent on Capital Improvement Projects through SPLOST funding
– $956,709 spent on Small Projects and Emergencies through SPLOST funding
Combined 3-Year Achievements:
– 10,319 catch basins cleaned
– 10,301 tons of debris removed from catch basins
– 885 catch basin lids replaced
– 397 catch basin frames replaced
– 48.94 miles of storm pipe cleaned
– 33.36 miles of ditches cleaned/excavated
– 2,349.34 miles of curb swept
– 6,844.50 tons of debris removed by street sweeping
– 322 cave-ins repaired
– 9,738 citizen request work orders completed
– 37 driveways installed
– 14 public detention ponds mowed 15 times
– Macon Levee maintained 5.3 miles 15 times
– $3,521,271 spent on Capital Improvement Projects through SPLOST funding
– $3,549,600 spent on Small Projects and Emergencies through SPLOST funding
Press Contact:
Rachad Hollis- Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
Phone: (478) 464-5600
Email: rhollis@maconwater.org