DeKalb County Water Crisis: 5 Critical Facts About The $104 Million Unpaid Bills And New 2025 Relief Programs
DeKalb County, Georgia is currently grappling with a massive financial challenge, as officials confirm an astonishing $104 million in outstanding water and sewer bills, a debt burden that has accumulated over more than a decade. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the county government is transitioning from a long-standing moratorium on disconnections to implementing "aggressive new measures" to recoup these funds, signaling a major shift in policy for residents with delinquent accounts. This move is critical for the long-term financial stability of the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) and its crucial infrastructure projects.
The urgency of the situation has led to a dual-pronged approach: stricter enforcement for accounts with no payment history and the simultaneous launch of comprehensive financial assistance programs. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the crisis, the county’s plan of action, and the vital resources available to homeowners and tenants struggling with high utility costs, including the new Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP).
The $104 Million Debt and DeKalb County's Aggressive New Collection Strategy
The sheer magnitude of the delinquent accounts—totaling over $104 million—has made the issue of unpaid water bills a top priority for DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners. This debt is not a recent phenomenon; county officials have noted that some accounts have been delinquent since as far back as 2010. The financial strain is considered "not sustainable" for the county's infrastructure and operations.
1. The End of the Disconnection Moratorium and New Legislation
For several years, DeKalb County maintained a moratorium on water service disconnections for residential customers, a policy initially put in place amid furor over erroneous and outrageous bills. However, the county is now moving to end this long-term ban, a decision that has sparked significant concern and frustration among residents, particularly low-income families.
In response to advocacy groups demanding stronger protections, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved vital water affordability legislation in February 2025. This new legislation includes provisions for discounts specifically for low-income residents, aiming to balance the need for revenue collection with the principle of water affordability. The county is set to begin its "aggressive measures to resolve all outstanding water accounts" starting around June 2025.
2. Mandatory Payment Plans for Delinquent Accounts
A key component of the new collection strategy is the universal offer of payment plans. DeKalb County is ramping up efforts to collect on the debt, but officials have stressed that every individual who seeks to establish a payment plan will be accommodated. These installment plans are a lifeline for customers who have accumulated significant debt but are willing to make structured payments to avoid a water shutoff notice.
To set up an installment plan, customers are strongly advised to contact the DeKalb County Finance Department's Water and Sewer Billing Customer Service directly. Eligibility for these plans is generally determined on a case-by-case basis, but the county's stated goal is to make them accessible to all who demonstrate a willingness to pay their past due balance.
Understanding the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP)
Recognizing the financial hardship faced by many residents, especially with a necessary 10% water rate increase on the horizon, DeKalb County has partnered with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) to launch the Water Rate Assistance Program (W.R.A.P.).
3. Who is Eligible for the WRAP Program?
The WRAP initiative is designed to help income-eligible households manage their rising water and sewer bills. The program's launch in 2025 is a direct response to the affordability crisis and the county's need to maintain critical infrastructure through rate adjustments.
To qualify for the Water Rate Assistance Program, residents must meet two primary criteria:
- They must be a current DeKalb County water and sewer account holder.
- Their household income must be at or below 60 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2025 Adjusted Home Income.
This program offers financial relief to thousands of low-income families, ensuring that essential water services remain accessible despite the county's financial pressures and rate adjustments. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is the key partner responsible for administering the application and verification process for eligible families.
4. How to Apply for Water Bill Assistance in DeKalb
For residents who meet the income and account holder requirements, applying for WRAP is the most effective way to secure a discount on their monthly utility costs. The application process is managed through the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, which provides the necessary forms and guidance.
Steps to Seek Assistance:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm your household income against the 60% of HUD’s 2025 Adjusted Home Income threshold.
- Contact the Urban League: Reach out to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA), the designated administrator, for the official WRAP application.
- Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, such as proof of residency, DeKalb County water bill statements, and income verification.
- Explore Other Options: If you do not qualify for WRAP, inquire about the county’s installment plan options directly with Customer Service.
Crucial Customer Service and Dispute Resolution Information
Navigating the complexities of high water bills, disputes, and payment plans requires direct communication with the county's utility operations. It is essential for residents to understand the correct channels for resolving issues, especially as the county implements its aggressive new collection policies.
5. Key Contacts for Billing Inquiries and Disputes
If you have received a shut-off notice, have a high or erroneous bill, or need to set up a payment arrangement, immediate contact with the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is necessary. The county maintains a dedicated customer service line for all account and billing questions.
DeKalb County Utility Customer Operations Key Contacts:
- Water and Sewer Billing Customer Service: (404) 378-4475
- 24-Hour Watershed Management Emergency: (770) 270-6243
- Dispute Resolution: The county has a formal dispute resolution process for customers who wish to contest their bill. An account is considered "in dispute" until a final decision is reached.
The county's push to address the $104 million in unpaid water bills is a significant event for all residents. While the threat of water disconnection is real for long-term delinquent accounts, the simultaneous introduction of the WRAP program and the guaranteed availability of payment plans underscore the county's commitment to providing a pathway for financial resolution. Residents are urged to proactively contact the Urban League or the DWM Customer Service line to secure assistance and avoid service interruption.
Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords:
DeKalb County, Georgia, $104 million debt, unpaid water bills, sewer bills, Department of Watershed Management (DWM), Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP), Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA), low-income households, water affordability, rate increase, delinquent accounts, payment plans, installment plan, water shutoff, disconnection moratorium, shut-off notices, Board of Commissioners, Michael Thurmond (CEO), utility customer operations, customer service, past due balance, HUD 2025 Adjusted Home Income, financial assistance, utility assistance, billing inquiries, dispute resolution process, infrastructure projects, residential customers, water meters, public health, environmental stewardship.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Diamond Schinner II
- Username : jacobi.alphonso
- Email : missouri15@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1995-12-22
- Address : 8759 Austen Rapid Apt. 896 New Dale, VA 77658-8312
- Phone : +19527550442
- Company : Williamson, Mraz and Hickle
- Job : Loan Interviewer
- Bio : Cum explicabo ipsum eius eligendi. Nisi velit vero sit omnis consequuntur quae aperiam. Laudantium est non quibusdam.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/thompsonj
- username : thompsonj
- bio : Enim ipsam at occaecati. Impedit repellendus placeat atque. Repudiandae eum beatae dicta unde.
- followers : 4860
- following : 2008
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jeffry1743
- username : jeffry1743
- bio : Sed temporibus nulla tempore minima eaque.
- followers : 2122
- following : 401
