The City of Helen’s water system included three operating wells, two off-line wells and three water storage tanks with a combined total of .68 million gallons (MG). Due to steady increases in demand, the City was purchasing 59% of the water supply from an outside source. Also of concern was the fact that the unaccounted-for water from the water distribution system averaged 35%, mainly due to antiquated faulty meters. The City desired to update these meters to reflect true water use, more accurately collect water revenues from its customers, and reduce dependency on outside water supplies.

The wastewater treatment facility consisted of a land application system which treated the flow and then sprayed the effluent on land leased from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The City had been directed to perform certain tasks to remain compliant with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) guidelines. While most of these tasks had been addressed and corrected; the infiltration and inflow (I/I) study, and survey of the spray field distribution lines remained outstanding due to lack of funds.

EMI proposed that the City of Helen install filtration equipment at the two inactive wells, replace outdated water meters and install telemetry devices to ensure consistent quantities of water and reduce dependency outside water sources. The City of Helen also contracted with EMI for assistance with funding procurement and to perform services related to the remaining EPD requirements for sanitary sewer compliance.

EMI assisted the City in obtaining a GEFA Grant to fund the project. After analysis confirmed that the cost to improve the existing wells would be less that continuing to purchase water elsewhere, filtration equipment was installed at the two off-line wells to ensure that the water quality was in compliance with EPA levels. The new water meters and telemetry devices help the City of Helen serve its community with a consistent water source in a more efficient manner; and, dependency on outside water sources has been eliminated.