The city of Villa Rica received its WaterFirst designation on December 8, 2020, during the city council meeting.

WaterFirst Communities are committed to excellence in watershed assessment, stormwater master planning, wastewater treatment and management, water supply planning and protection, water conservation, water reclamation and reuse, educational outreach, and regional planning.

Receiving this designation demonstrates the city of Villa Rica’s commitment to the stewardship of water resources for environmental and economic benefits. The city’s notable accomplishments include:

  • The design phase is underway for a new water treatment plant. This new treatment plant will be more energy and water efficient.
  • The West Wastewater Treatment Plant has the latest wastewater treatment technology and produces Class A biosolids.
  • The city has a program to upgrade the collection system, and it has been phasing out pump stations wherever possible.
  • The city is creating a stormwater utility, which will help protect the water supply for the city. 

WaterFirst Communities are eligible for financial and other benefits from the state, including a 1% interest rate reduction on Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) loans, annual eligibility for water-related Community Development Block Grants administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and priority status for the 319(h) Grant Program administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

For more information about the WaterFirst Program, visit gefa.georgia.gov/waterfirst.