Doc Pullen Brings Questions From Citizens To Water And Sewer Authority

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

At the April 23rd meeting of the Dade County Water and Sewer Authority, Dr. William Pullen Jr. (known as “Doc”) brought questions that citizens had been asking him to the authority before the authority voted on several old business items and discussed new business.

Pullen (who previously served on the water authority through 2021) began with, “It’s the political season,” and he noted last week’s local debate. He explained that even though he’s not been to a water authority meeting in several years, people have asked him questions about the water authority, but he feels that those questions should be asked to the current board and employees (rather than answering questions himself).

Pullen said, “This reservoir thing just never goes away,” explaining that he’s heard concerns from citizens about the lack of a back-up water supply. Noting the 2023 drought, he asked who tracks the creek water levels. Elizabeth Zeller (who was recently promoted to general manager) answered that Frank Hawkins (plant manager) checks creek levels.

Several questions later, Eddie Cantrell (chairman) clarified that decisions about the reservoir are fully up to the county government. Pullen (having served on the board when the proposed reservoir location was purchased) said that he’s been able to explain that to citizens and state his personal opinions on the matter.

Pullen asked if Highway 11 is the only hookup location to a water source. Zeller answered that another location on Lookout Mountain (off Jupiter Road) connects to Tennessee American Water. Pullen asked about the Alabama portions of Sand Mountain, and Zeller said Dekalb County had an agreement to purchase water from Dade, but Dekalb ended that arrangement.

Pullen noted that tourism versus industry is a popular debate these days and brought up the water line going down GA-299. Cantrell explained, “We had talked to Evan Stone (IDA executive director) on several occasions…We met with Tennessee American, they were upgrading their lines, and Evan was told that he needed to get with Tennessee American while they were upgrading.” Cantrell suggested asking Stone/the Industrial Development Authority about this project since it is led by the IDA.

Similarly, Pullen asked if sewer is being upgraded along GA-299. Cantrell said, “There was a question of the City of Chattanooga [dealing] with that,” but again, this is a question for the IDA.

Pullen asked about the lines in the industrial park being updated, which Zeller said is in progress with further steps to complete.

Pullen said, “One time, there was a question about somebody coming in and processing food. That didn’t materialize…because it was going to have sewage that was going to have to be pretreated.” Cantrell confirmed, “That was my understanding.”

Pullen brought up the census numbers, saying that in recent years, the school system had reported a decrease in enrollment. He said, “But Georgia Power’s in here stringing line everywhere in the county because, they tell me, it’s because we’re gonna be needing more electricity.” He asked if the water company has seen an increase in customers.

Zeller explained that they have seen an increase, but it includes portions of Walker County and many vacation rentals. She said 16 water taps were applied for in March alone. Pullen asked how many meters the water company currently serves. Zeller said 7,542 meters, with an additional 8,719 hookups which are ready to be activated but not currently being billed.

Pullen asked, “The general condition of the water system is still good or upgraded?” Cantrell answered, “That’s too vague of a question. We’re working on the improvements, but I don’t know how to answer that. Our tanks are better than they were…There’s all kinds of things we need [but], I don’t think anything’s critical.”

Pullen concluded, “That’s all I got,” to which Cantrell said pleasantly, “That’s a good bit, Doc. Maybe next time come over and talk to Elizabeth and she can give you more details.” Pullen said, “Well, I got about as much detail as I need.”

Old business covered votes on two items that were explained in the March meeting (see the March 27th issue of the Sentinel): an update to HomeServe (the authority’s leak protection program) and purchasing an after hour call service from Interactive Utility Communication. The authority approved both.

Under new business, Zeller noted a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation. Due to the upcoming bridge upgrades in the county, GDOT will be relocating some water lines. Cantrell and Zeller explained that the authority has no choice but to accept this MOU.

Cantrell then began a lengthy discussion of the lead and copper rule and all the work that it entails. (See the August 23rd, 2023 issue of the Sentinel.) He attended a regional meeting that emphasized the need for heavy documentation and communication throughout the process.

Cantrell said, “This is a much, much bigger deal than just inventory.” He gave the board members a packet of information to look over and explained necessary next steps, such as adding information for the public to the website, establishing written policies, and documenting every step and customer interaction in the process.

The board and Zeller noted that they have already received many responses from homeowners after sending out the inventory mailer, but there is much more work to come.