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Braselton Public Works Department
Physical Address:
4986 Hwy 53
Braselton, Georgia 30517
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 306
Attention: Public Works Department
Braselton, GA 30517
Utility Bills and Service Requests
Elma Spahic, Water Billing Clerk
706-654-3915 x1010
706-654-3109 (fax)
espahic@braselton.net
After hours emergency phone number:
678.283.0437
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Reuse Update:
Reuse System Progress Report
April 23, 2010
The first phase of the reuse irrigation water system is ready for service! Thank you for your interest, support, and understanding.
April 13, 2010
The tank is filled and the supply line is secure. Town personnel are verifying valve positions in the distribution system and expect to start flushing the lines as early as the April 14th. Monitoring for leaks in the distribution system is the focus once all the valves are in the correct positions. Some of the lines have been in place for some time and a lot of construction activity with homes and utilities undertaken. Once the distribution system proves charged, flushed, and secure, samples will be taken to ensure quality parameters. When favorable results return the system will be ready for use.
April 1, 2010
Last week repairs were made to the pipe serving the reuse elevated tank. When the line was pressurized the repair was found to be unsuccessful. On the 29th, Town personnel, consulting engineers, and the contractor will analyze the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action to correct the problem. The replacement of the defective work should be completed this week. We will then have to fill and then drain the tank to test the integrity of the corrective work. Having the system operational by the target date of April 15 continues to be our mission.
March 22, 2010
I know there is a fair amount of frustration with the delay in start up of the reuse system. Weather turned out to be a major factor in construction progress. Breaking from patterns of the last few years, this past fall and winter brought much cold, rain, and snow to Braselton resulting in unforeseen construction delays. Our wastewater plant experienced two instances where the biological process stopped because of toxic inflows from the collection system. Recovering the process takes about a month before the effluent meets the regulatory requirements. Also during this time the wastewater plant was in the final stages of construction to double the capacity of the plant.
During the past two weeks we were able to fill the lines and partially fill the elevated storage tank serving the reuse system. Unfortunately the line to the tank developed a leak. Work is underway to resolve this issue and should be completed this week.
The next step is filling the elevated tank again and then working through the system to flush the lines. Once the lines are filled with fresh reuse water and we are confident the system holds pressure, we will take samples to ensure the quality of the water meets the established standards. The best estimate is for the system to be available for service by April 15, 2010.
Thank you for your patience and support in this endeavor. Weekly progress reports will be posted on the Braselton web www.braselton.net, site until the system is operational.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Updated 06/02/10
I heard I can now water my yard every day. Is that true?
Yes. The Governor recently signed a new state law. Citizens in Georgia can now water any day of the week regardless of your address between the hours of 4 PM and 10 AM. There is NO watering between 10 AM and 4 PM. These new time limitations are ONLY for landscape water use.
Can I now wash my car or pressure wash my house any day too?
No. The new law signed by the governor only relates to landscape uses. The old odd / even schedule remains in place for all other outdoor uses. Even and unnumbered addresses may use water outdoors for cleaning, recreation, etc. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; odd addresses may use water for these activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. There are no “hourly” restrictions for these activities.
If I don’t have an automated sprinkler do I have to water with a hose before 10 AM or after 4 PM?
No. The new rules allow hand watering with a shut off nozzle any time of the day any day of the week.
What if I have a little league game scheduled and we need to water the field to cool it down or settle the dust at 2 PM?
Sports fields and parks are exempt from the hourly restrictions. These areas may be watered any time any day of the week.
What if I put in new landscape? Do I have to water between 4PM and 10 AM?
No. Newly installed landscape is also exempt from the hourly restrictions for the first 30 days following installation.
What about drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation is completely exempt from the outdoor rules it may be used any day or any time.
Why can’t I wash my car any day of the week too?
The changes to the landscaping rules were part of a new state law. The other outdoor uses were not addressed. As municipal governments / water suppliers we are required by law to follow all of the current water use rules. The current rules for uses other than landscape are no hourly restrictions on the odd / even schedule. These rules are also being considered for an update and we will make information available as soon as any changes are made.
What exemptions exist to the new hourly restrictions?
• Commercial Agriculture.
• Alternative sources of water (grey water, rain water, condensate, etc.)
• Irrigation of food gardens.
• Irrigation of newly installed or reseeded turf for the first 30 days.
• Drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
• Hand watering with a shut off nozzle.
• Water from a private well.
• Irrigation of plants for sale.
• Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses or public recreational turf.
• Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Hydroseeding.
What if a professional pressure washes my house? Does it have to be on the odd / even schedule?
No. Commercial businesses are exempt from day of the week restrictions.
Now can I have a charity car wash on any day regardless of the address?
No. Unfortunately charity car washes like at home car washes are subject to the odd / even schedule. This is determined by the address of the facility hosting the car wash. Of course partnering with a professional car wash is exempt from the odd /even schedule because of their “professional exemption”. It is also a best practice for saving both water quality and quantity.
Being allowed to water everyday does not mean it is the best practice. Irrigation should supplement rainfall. Ideally most established landscapes in periods of limited rainfall need to be watered deeply once a week. The reasonable use of our water resources is essential in the region. Use the step test and visual inspection to determine if your plants and grass need to be watered.
How to perform the “step test”:
Place your foot firmly on your turf area.
Watch how quickly the turf springs up to cover your footprint.
If the turf springs up immediately (a few seconds) your turf is probably not in need of watering.
If the foot print remains or the turf slowly rises to eventually cover it your turf is in need of a deep watering.
Visual Inspection
Check plants in the early morning or late evening. Plants checked in the heat of the day will always appear to need water.
If the plant is wilting; yellow or grayish in appearance; has dried edges or browning; or loss of flowering the plant is probably in need of water.
Visit http://www.gaepd.org/Documents/outdoorwater.html for more information.
Why do I have to pay for water when a pipe bursts at my residence?
It is Town of Braselton’s responsibility to provide water to all our customers at the water meter location. We are not responsible for the type or condition of plumbing from the water meter location into private or commercial dwellings.
When do I get my deposit back?
Does it accrue interest while you have it? Each customer, whether residential or commercial, is required to post a surety deposit on each account at the time of initial service. We do not pay interest on deposits held. The deposit is applied to the final bill on the customer’s account. Any surplus is remitted to the customer at that time.
Does the Water System accept “Letters of Credit” from other utilities?
No. Letters of credit from other utilities are subjective documents and are not regulated, nor is there a standard to which they are compared. We believe requiring a cash deposit on water bill accounts reduces losses thereby assuring the lowest rates for all of our customers.
Why are the sewer charges higher than the water charges?
This is primarily due to the cost of building, maintaining, and operating both the sewage collection system and treatment plants capable of removing contaminants in wastewater prior to returning it to lakes and rivers. Our treatment processes meet or exceed all state and federal standards.
I have “blue-poly” pipe from the meter to the house and I had a leak. Where can I find information regarding getting reimbursed for my plumbing cost?
Information can be received by calling 1(800) 356-3496. Eligibility for home assistance varies.
Why are street light charges on my water bill?
Utilizing the Town of Braselton Water System’s existing billing system proved be cost effective; whereas, creating a separate street light billing system would have significantly added costs. The street light funds go to the county’s general fund to pay for utility costs and other maintenance associated with providing this service. For street light repairs/outages, please contact your power company.
If I fill up my pool, do I pay sewer fees for the water used?
Please come by the Utility Billing Office at Town Hall to complete a Request for Adjustment form to be considered for an adjustment.
Thank you for your community support and cooperation as we promote continual wise and conservative water use.
Do I have to notify other utilities that there will be excavation on my property?
Yes. Before proceeding with your excavation, remember to
"Call Before You Dig"!
The phone number is (800) 282-7411, or (770) 623-4344 in the Atlanta area. You may also log onto the Georgia Utilities Protection Center website at
www.gaupc.com for more information.
Customer Deposits
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| Water |
Inside Town |
Outside Town |
| 3/4 Inch Meter |
$65.00 |
$75.00 |
| 1 Inch Meter |
$120.00 |
$130.00 |
| |
|
|
| Sewer |
|
|
| 3/4 Inch Meter |
$70.00 |
N/A |
| 1 Inch Meter |
$140.00 |
N/A |
You may mail a check with the application or the
deposit can be added to your first month's bill.
Water Tap, Connection and Administrative Fees
(Inside and Outside the Town Limits):
| Meter Size |
Meter Fee |
Connection Fee |
Admn. Fee |
Total** |
Tap Fee** |
| 3/4 Inch |
$185.00 |
$1,430.00 |
$35 |
$1,650.00 |
$595.00 |
| 1 Inch |
$245.00 |
$2,390.00 |
$35 |
$2,670.00 |
$685.00 |
| 2 Inch |
$480.00 |
$7,620.00 |
$35 |
$8,135.00 |
$1,815.00 |
| 3 Inch |
* |
$15,260.00 |
$35 |
* |
* |
| 4 Inch |
* |
$23,840.00 |
$35 |
* |
* |
| 6 Inch |
* |
$47,660.00 |
$35 |
* |
* |
| 8 Inch |
* |
$76,260.00 |
$35 |
* |
* |
*Tap fee/meter (if installed by the Town) to be based on actual cost of materials, labor, etc. at the time of installation
**Totals could vary depending upon the amount of services provided by the city. Tap Fees are added to the total if the Town actually performs the tap.
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Volumetric Water Rates
| Volume |
Rates |
Effective July 1st 2009 |
| 0-2,000 gallons |
Minimum |
Minimum |
| 2,001-5,000 gallons |
$3.97 per 1,000 gallons |
$4.17 per 1,000 gallons |
| 5,001-10,000 gallons |
$4.52 per 1,000 gallons |
$4.75 per 1,000 gallons |
| > 10,000 gallons |
$4.74 per 1,000 gallons |
$4.98 per 1,000 gallons |
Minimum (Cost of Service) Water Rates Inside Town Limits (Includes 0-2,000 gallons)
| Meter Size |
Fees |
Fees Effective July 1st 2009 |
| 3/4 Inch |
$13.23 minimum |
$13.89 minimum |
| 1 Inch |
$22.05 minimum |
$23.15 minimum |
| 1 1/4 Inch & 1 1/2 Inch |
$44.10 minimum |
$46.31 minimum |
| 2 Inch |
$71.66 minimum |
$75.25 minimum |
| 3 Inch |
$137.81 minimum |
$144.70 minimum |
| 4 Inch |
$220.50 minimum |
$231.53 minimum |
| 6 Inch |
$441.00 minimum |
$463.05 minimum |
| 8 Inch |
$705.60 minimum |
$740.88 minimum |
| 10 Inch |
$1,494.99 minimum |
$1,569.74 minimum |
Minimum Water Charges Outside Town Limit
| Meter Size |
Fees |
Effective July 1st 2009 |
| 3/4 Inch |
$19.85 minimum |
$20.84 minimum |
| 1 Inch |
$33.08 minimum |
$34.73 minimum |
| 1 1/4 Inch & 1 1/2 Inch |
$66.15 minimum |
$69.46 minimum |
| 2 Inch |
$107.49 minimum |
$112.87 minimum |
| 3 Inch |
$206.72 minimum |
$217.05 minimum |
| 4 Inch |
$330.75 minimum |
$347.29 minimum |
| 6 Inch |
$661.50 minimum |
$694.58 minimum |
| 8 Inch |
$1058.40 minimum |
$1,111.32 minimum |
| 10 Inch |
$2,242.49 minimum |
$2,354.61 minimum |
Reuse Fees
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Effective July 1st 2009 |
| 0-2,000 gallons |
$6.62 minimum fee |
$6.62 minimum fee |
| Over 2,000 gallons |
$1.10 per thousand |
$1.10 per thousand |
Residential Sewer Rates
| Volume |
Fee |
Effective July 1st 2009 |
| First 2,000 gallons |
$12.13 Minimum * |
$12.73 Minimum |
| 2,001-5,000 gallons |
$4.41 per 1,000 gallons |
$4.63 per 1,000 gallons |
| 5,001 and above |
$4.85 per 1,000 gallons |
$5.09 per 1,000 gallons |
| NOTE: Add $2.32 to minimum charge for customers
on Braselton sewer system but not Braselton water system. Also remember
for multi-unit development (both water and sewer) minimums are generally
determined by multiply the number of units times the .75 inch minimum or
from the applicable water or sewer minimum table, whichever is GREATER.
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Commercial Sewer Rates
| Volume |
Fee |
Fees Effective July 1st 2009 |
| First 2,000 gallons |
Minimum |
Minimum |
| 2,001-5,000 gallons |
$4.96 per 1,000 gallons |
$5.21 per 1,000 gallons |
| 5,001 and above |
$5.46 per 1,000 gallons |
$5.73 per 1,000 gallons |
Commercial Sewer Rates
(Minimum 0-2,000 gallons)
Meter Size
|
Ratio
|
Minimum Sewer Fee
|
Minimum Sewer Fees
Effective July 1st 2009 |
| 3/4 Inch |
1.00 |
$13.78 minimum |
$14.47 minimum |
| 1 Inch |
1.33 |
$18.74 minimum |
$19.68 minimum |
| 1 1/4 Inch & 1 1/2 Inch |
2.00 |
$27.56 minimum |
$28.94 minimum |
| 2 Inch |
2.67 |
$37.49 minimum |
$39.36 minimum |
| 3 Inch |
4.00 |
$55.13 minimum |
$57.88 minimum |
| 4 Inch |
5.33 |
$73.87 minimum |
$77.56 minimum |
| 6 Inch |
8.00 |
$110.25 minimum |
$115.76 minimum |
| 8 Inch |
10.67 |
$146.63 minimum |
$153.96 minimum |
| 10 Inch |
|
$184.12 minimum |
$193.32 minimum |
* For multi-unit commercial developments, and other similar developments not served by individual water meters, the minimum monthly sewer charge shall be determined by multiplying the number of individual units served by the $12.50 minimum or from the schedule above, whichever is greater.
How to build a new Development:
Download basic description
Water Quality Report:
Water Quality Report 2005 (.pdf file format)
Water Quality Report 2004 (.pdf file format)
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