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Leaders want

regional water authority

The Metro

Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Business Coalition recently

endorsed The Clean Water Initiative to address wastewater capacity and

storm water runoff problems in the Atlanta area.

Over the

last six months, a diverse task force of regional leaders including

business people, environmentalists and elected officials have gathered

facts, identified solutions and recommended a structure.

Late last

year, the Clean Water Task Force approved a proposal calling for the

creation of the Metro Atlanta Water Planning District. This district

would be a planning district responsible for policy, planning and intergovernmental

coordination for regional storm water, wastewater, water supply and

water supply management.

Responsibilities

include:

F Develop

regional and watershed-specific plans covering wastewater and storm

water management, water supply and conservation.

F Review

existing plans and ordinances and develop regionally consistent policies,

model ordinances and minimum standards of performance.

F Coordinate

an effective regional water quality monitoring program and database

among local, state and federal agencies.

F Develop

regional water conservation strategy and programs.

F Develop

measurable short-term and long-term goals for water quality and conservation

improvement.

F Establish

water-related education programs and support the efforts of community

watershed groups.

The group

will present its proposal to the General Assembly this year.