Braselton Water & Sewer
The Problem: After Braselton just borrowed $2.5M to repair storm damage threatening its supply water wells next to the Mulberry River, Braselton now faces serious water & sewer problems in the near future: (1) aging sewage Processing Units with leaks - upcoming cost $25M+, (2) aging sewage lift stations - upcoming cost $1.5M+; (3) limited supply water independence; and (4) already high water & sewer rates.
(1) Treatment Facility: Currently, four Process Units at Braselton's Sewer Treatment Facility have the capacity to process 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD), and they are actively processing 1.5 MGD. However, two of the four Process Units are bolted steel construction, suffering ongoing rust, putting the units at risk of leaks, and needing replacement.
Estimates to replace the Process Units and related improvements range from $25M and up.
(2) Sewer Lift Stations: Braselton currently operates 25+ lift stations to lift / pump wastewater to the treatment facility. The lift stations require ongoing maintenance, but one lift station needs to be replaced - estimated cost $1.5M.
(3) Fresh Water Supply: For Braselton's fresh water supply system, it maintains approximately 50% water-independence during the winter, and it maintains approximately 25% water-independence during the summer months with higher usage. It purchases the remainder of its fresh water from either Barrow, Jackson, or Gwinnett county.
(4) Water & Sewer Rates: Braselton's current water & sewer rates are nearing the top 10% for Georgia (Water and Wastewater Rates Dashboard).
The Solution: Braselton is looking ahead toward solutions for its water and sewer problems, especially considering the additional challenges of Braselton's unique geographical location.
Spanning four counties (Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson), Braselton is not able to combine SPLOST funding.
This also locates Braselton on the corners of each county and distant from traditional services originating at the county seat (more info here).
Braselton must develop greater self-reliance & sustainability, especially in its water and sewer department.