Thomasville, Georgia, officially received its WaterFirst designation on April 12, 2024. The city is the first in Southwest Georgia to receive this recognition.

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 a commitment to the stewardship of water resources for environmental and economic benefits. The city of Thomasville’s notable accomplishments include:

  • Leadership in smart technology: The city incorporates smart monitoring technology in the advanced metering infrastructure system and the supervisory control and data acquisition system.
     
  • Community engagement and education: The city, in collaboration with Keep Thomas County Beautiful and Golden Triangle RC&D, educates the community about water conservation efforts.
     
  • Exemplary stormwater management: Thomasville adheres to rigorous best management practices and encourages these practices in all new developments, which ensures sustainable growth and environmental preservation.  

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.