(Lawrenceville, Ga., Oct. 16, 2012) – Today Gwinnett commissioners heard details of a new master plan for water and wastewater facilities that looks ahead to 2030. The document, required by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, focuses on needed capital investments to comply with regional plans and aligns with the County’s 2030 Unified Plan.

Computer models helped predict growth in the County over the next 20 years to find potential future bottlenecks and identify solutions. The results show that most current water and wastewater systems can handle the growth. Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “We are well positioned for the growth and economic development that is projected to come to Gwinnett over the next 20 years. Water and sewer infrastructure is one area that distinguishes Gwinnett; there is certainty for businesses looking to expand or locate here.”

“A 25-member Citizens Advisory Panel and staff from several County departments brought a multi-perspective voice to the document, which always improves the process,” said Planning and Development Director Bryan Lackey.

Water Resources Director Ron Seibenhener said, “Now we can focus our resources on maintaining and rehabilitating existing systems to reduce costs by operating more efficiently and saving energy.” He pointed to the recently completed upgrade at the Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility as an example of this type of transition. The upgrade consolidated six smaller water reclamation facilities, put state-of-the-art technology and energy and efficiency measures in place, and expanded the plant’s capacity to 22 million gallons per day to accommodate the flow from the decommissioned facilities.

The Gwinnett County Water and Sewerage Authority approved the master plan on Oct. 15. The Board of Commissioners will consider the plan at a public hearing at on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.

Once adopted, the new master plan will serve as the Department of Water Resources’ primary decision-making tool for creating new policies and prioritizing capital projects through 2030.