Press Releases

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management has successfully completed repairs on both the 16-inch and 36-inch water mains at 33 Covington Rd. in Avondale Estates. Water service has been fully restored, and the system is back at normal pressure. “We are incredibly grateful to the teams of men and women who worked around the clock over a 40-hour period to complete this highly sensitive and complex repair,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson.

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) crew members have made substantial progress on both the 16-inch and 36-inch water mains at 33 Covington Rd., Avondale Estates. Impacted residents can still go to Avondale Elementary School located at 88 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 to receive bottled water.

DeKalb County crews are still working to repair a damaged water pipe that is affecting water service in parts of the area. Because the repair site is surrounded by other underground utility lines, workers must use a special method called hydroexcavation — a safe digging process that uses water and suction instead of heavy machinery — to avoid damaging nearby pipes or cables. While repairs are in progress, residents may continue to notice lower water pressure or slower water flow.

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management crews are currently onsite at 33 Covington Road due to a water main break caused by a CEI fiber optic contractor. The specific main affected has not yet been identified. However, isolation of both the 16-inch and 36-inch water mains was necessary. Customers in the area will experience interruption of water service due to the damaged water line.

On July 10, 2025, more than 1,200 jobseekers filled the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center for DeKalb County’s largest job fair to date. Hosted by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the event drew 1,885 pre-registered attendees and 312 walk-ins, demonstrating the urgency and determination of residents seeking meaningful employment. “This level of turnout makes one thing very clear: people are ready to work, and they need opportunities now,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “In DeKalb County, we see you, we hear you, and we’re committed to opening doors.”