The recent water leak in Midtown Atlanta was yet another example of a nationwide problem—the issue of aging water infrastructure. Cities across the country are grappling with the issue of staying stay ahead of water infrastructure challenges resulting from age and deterioration. The City of Roswell has taken a proactive approach to maintain, support, and enhance the City’s water infrastructure to help head-off problems and ensure a safe and effective water system for the community.
While other communities across the country are just starting to think about this issue, the City of Roswell has actually taken action. We are taking every opportunity to make sure our water infrastructure is safe and reliable for years to come,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson.
Mayor Kurt Wilson, City of Roswell
According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the country’s aging water Infrastructure is breaking faster than it can be replaced, which is why it has remained as the top water challenge for several years. It is estimated that every two minutes or so, a pipe breaks in the United States, amounting to around 2.1 trillion gallons of water lost in the nation every year and causing disruption in service to untold numbers of households and businesses. In fact, corroded pipes—some nearly a century old—have been identified as causing the recent water leak in Midtown Atlanta.
Whereas some communities are only now starting to plan how they can mitigate issues that arise due to an aging infrastructure, the City of Roswell has been investing in its water infrastructure for years, consistently assessing and maintaining its system with a variety of efforts and programs.
Pipe Monitoring and Replacement
Each year, the City invests approximately $400,000-$500,000 as part of its Pipe Replacement Program. Through this program, the City regularly assesses the condition of water pipes throughout its water distribution area. Pipes that are nearing the end of their useful life are replaced. The City’s Water Utility has also added elements to the water distribution system to find and replace pipes before issues arise and limit customers affected by a broken pipe if one occurs.
The City of Roswell also utilizes iHydrant, a service that provides real-time pressure and temperature monitoring data to help the City make informed decisions, protect the water infrastructure, and manage costs. By using iHydrant, the City can improve response time for main breaks, accidental damage, and other customer service issues.
Roswell’s Award-Winning Water Utility
Roswell’s Water Utility was established in 1935 and has expanded over the years as the City has grown. The Water Utility comprises two sections: The Water Treatment Plant and Water Distribution.
The City’s Water System serves approximately 5,600 households (18,000 residents or 20% of the population), with the remainder of households being served by Fulton County. In 2016, the City opened a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant, capable of producing 3.3 million gallons of water per day. Roswell water professionals maintain 89 miles of distribution waterline mains in order to get the highest quality water delivered to our customers.
For five years in a row, the Roswell has been the recipient of the American Water Works Association’s Gold Award, which is given to treatment plants that meet above all of the state standards for water production. Because of this continual quality, the City was awarded the Platinum award in 2023.
Identifying and Reporting Leaks
Any suspected water leaks should be reported right away. Residents can report water leaks or water quality issues in any of the following ways:
Make a Call
Roswell Water Utility Customers can call 770-641-3707, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After hours, please call 770-640-4100 (Police Dispatch). Fulton County Water Utility customers should call 770-640-3040.
Roswell App
Report a water leak anywhere in Roswell from your phone. Use the City of Roswell App for water problems and anything else in the City—potholes, missed trash pickup, safety concerns, and more. Any Roswell resident can report water issues, whether they are served by the Roswell Water Utility or Fulton County Water Utility. Visit www.Roswellgov.com/app for information.
AquaHawk Water Monitoring Service
Roswell Water Utility offers a water conservation and budgeting tool for customers called AquaHawk. This is a free online Web portal that enables Roswell water customers to see their water usage and an estimate of their bill anytime during the billing cycle. Users can receive text message, e-mail, or phone alert if their consumption indicates a potential leak or abnormal usage. Learn more and sign up at www.RoswellGov.com/AquaHawk.
Roswell’s Stormwater Management Program
In addition to ensuring quality in the Roswell Water Utility, the City is also taking proactive steps to maintain and improve its stormwater drainage and control system. These efforts help to prevent flooding, guard against property damage, and protect the economic development and quality of life of our citizens.
The City’s Stormwater Management Program is a concerted effort to find and replace aging infrastructure, perform necessary routine maintenance, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. These efforts mitigate the possibility of flooding on roadways and in homes or businesses. The program also includes watershed planning, water quality monitoring, drainage system operation and maintenance, and capital improvement planning.
Roswell’s Cross Drain Inspection Program
In early 2024, the City of Roswell accomplished its goal of inspecting every one of the 3,200 cross drains beneath public roadways within the City. Cross drains are drains and pipes located below roads and help funnel stormwater (such as rain, sleet, and snow) off of roads and into waterways. This program proactively addresses problems caused by a pipe or drain breaking or leaking beneath a roadway, possibly leading to flooding, road closures, and property damage.
Roswell uses a small robot fixed with a camera to inspect pipes and drains that are too small for a person to crawl into. This robot can allow the crew operating it to view the inside of the pipe for decay, rust, or other damage that may cause bigger problems if left untreated. This information helps our Stormwater Utility to prioritize repairs needed throughout the City.