With the startup of its new water reservoir just 18 months away, Coweta

County is making sure all its permits are done correctly.

As one of the elements required for getting a water withdrawal permit for

the B.T. Brown reservoir in northwest Coweta County, county officials must

show they are working with other local governments in planning for water

usage in the future.

County Administrator Theron Gay said the county's new contract with

Newnan Utilities now requires the county to purchase three million gallons

of water a day from Newnan's water provider, instead of the currently

stipulated 1.5 million gallons a day.

"We'll still be purchasing water from Newnan after we get the

reservoir running because of our projected growth rate," Gay said.

The county currently purchases up to six million gallons a day from Newnan

Utilities on peak days, but Gay said the county's purchases have "ramped

down" in recent months.

"The state wants to make sure that all water sources are working together,

and this contract shows we're serious about getting our reservoir up

and running," he said.