The best way to assure we have high-quality drinking water at the tap is to protect our beautiful water sources. To do so, Athens-Clarke County follows a watershed protection plan that includes routinely monitoring, safeguarding, and improving source water—and drinking water—quality and quantity.
The ACC Public Utilities Department (PUD) has taken a collaborative approach to implementing watershed protection activities. Every year, the PUD conducts water quality monitoring at sites throughout the county. We follow the best management practices that address current issues and manage impacts associated with further growth. Our approach is laid out in our Watershed Protection Plan (WPP), which will improve degraded water quality, reduce risks to human health, and preserve ecological resources. Successful implementation of the WPP will protect and improve the quality of local streams and enhance the quality of life for residents.