The city of Byron received its WaterFirst designation on Monday, September 13, 2021, 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 Byron’s commitment to the stewardship of water resources for environmental and economic benefits. The city’s notable accomplishments include:

  • An outreach program increases public education on the importance of water resources, water quality, and water conservation.
  • City ordinances encourage greenspace areas and water quality protection.
  • Stormwater measures help protect the recharge of the aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking water 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.