April 28, 2003 - Mayor Shirley Franklin and Commissioner Jack Ravan will greet employees of the new City of Atlanta Bureau of Water tomorrow to mark the transfer of the bureau from United Water Services to the City. According to the agreement dissolving the partnership with the company, the City takes control of the drinking water system at midnight tonight.
The Mayor and the Commissioner will be on hand at 8 a.m. to welcome employees at the Water Works facility, 651 14th Street (between Northside Drive and Howell Mill Road).
United Water took over operation of the drinking water system in 1999 under a long-term agreement. Under Mayor Franklin’s leadership, the City dissolved the contract after a lengthy study indicated contractual failings. Approximately 300 United Water employees were offered positions with the City.
“We are excited to be back in the water business,” the Mayor said. “We are confident that we have the dedicated employees and the administrative will to make Atlanta’s drinking water system the standard by which all other systems are measured.”