Bureau of Water
 In
1999, operation of the City's drinking water system was contracted
to United Water Services. In 2003, the new Bureau of Water was
formed, and the City reclaimed operation of its drinking water
systems.
The creation of the City of Atlanta's new Bureau of Water is
a historic step aimed at providing Atlantans with a level of
water service they expect and deserve. The mission of the Bureau
is to provide high quality dependable drinking water at the
lowest possible cost.
The new Bureau of Water resides in the Department of Watershed
Management, allowing all City water resource operations to be
managed under the same organizational umbrella.
The Bureau will have a staff of 346 persons (43% below the 1998
pre-privatization level), and an ongoing budget of approximately
$41.1 million ($7 million less than the pre-privatization level).
The new Bureau will succeed because it has:
Excellent Senior Leadership
With Mayor Shirley Franklin leading the team and with her commitment
to efficient and effective delivery of all City services, the
new Bureau will be run by a core group of individuals who have
experience and are passionate about the City's success.
- Commissioner of Watershed Management Jack Ravan is a highly
qualified executive with experience as the country's top water
official. As Director of EPA's Office of Water, Mr. Ravan
managed 2,280 employees and a $2.7 billion annual budget.
- Bureau Manager Chris New has 32 years experience with the
City's former Department of Water, and brings a wealth of
knowledge of the Atlanta systems.
A Practical and Well-Considered Business Plan
The Bureau will be guided by a Business
Plan that ensures a lean and effective organization that
can deliver on its promises. The Business Plan features:
- Reduction of staff 43% below the 1998 level
- Dedicated training and cross-training of employees
- Emphasis on customer service
- A practical plan for increasing collections
- Outsourcing of non-core functions
- Incorporation of the best practices of both private and
public service delivery
- A budget competitive with 1999-2000 levels, and 14% below
the 1997 level
A Commitment to Public Accountability
Setting goals for achievement and establishing targets for
measuring success will ensure the Bureau reaches the "best
in class" service it pledges to provide its customers.
Accountability standards include:
- Rapid response to brown water complaints
- An ongoing scorecard to measure specific performance standards
- Monthly public reporting of scorecard results
- A pilot bonus plan for employees tied to meeting performance
standards
Bureau
of Drinking Water
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