DeKalb Records 99 Percent Drop in Sewer Spill Volume in Second Quarter

DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County saw a 99 percent drop in sewer spill volume in the second quarter of 2020.

The total spill volume dropped from 20 million gallons in the first quarter of 2020 to 178,097 gallons in the second quarter, which reflects a 99 percent decrease. Additionally, this volume is 94 percent lower than the second quarter of 2019, when the county had a spill volume of 2.8 million gallons.

For the first time since September 2018, DeKalb County Watershed Management recorded no major spills for the entire month of June 2020. DeKalb recorded a June 2020 total spill volume of 15,015 gallons, which is the lowest monthly volume since June 2016.

There only were two wet weather-related spills in the second quarter of 2020, despite April and May recording above average rainfall. That’s down from 80 wet weather spills in first quarter of 2020.

“In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to keep our attention on key priorities like improving the county’s sewer system,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “With the continued support of the Board of Commissioners and the hard work of county employees, we are making measurable success.”

The county has invested $159 million since 2017 (inclusive) to correct years of neglect and mismanagement of its sewer system with plans to spend an additional $1.1 billion over the next 10 years. The investment has already resulted in 324,000 linear feet (61 miles) of sewer pipeline rehabilitation, as well as the construction of three new lift stations, two lift stations converted to gravity flow, and rehabilitation of 10 other lift stations.