Where the water goesNORTHWEST GEORGIAExplore the dataWATER LOSS IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA
The annual compilation shows the reported figures. The underlying records help explain them.
Public records
Statewide audit summaries show what utilities reported. Supporting records help establish how the numbers were developed and whether field work supports a claimed improvement. Request existing records from the agency that maintains them. EPD may hold submitted audits and correspondence; the utility generally holds detailed operating records.
| Existing record | Question it helps answer |
|---|---|
| Complete annual audit workbook, all worksheets and comments, software version, original and revised files | What was reported, what was assumed, and what changed after submission? |
| QWLA certification, validation report or checklist, supporting calculations, reviewer findings | Who reviewed the audit, what evidence was examined, and what limitations were identified? |
| Audit submission records, EPD correspondence, correction notices, and resubmissions | When was the audit submitted and what issues were raised or corrected? |
| Production, import, and export meter readings; test and calibration reports; correction calculations | How reliable is the supply total, and did measurement corrections change the balance? |
| Wholesale purchase invoices and contracts, including minimum purchases or payments | What volume was purchased, at what cost, and which charges could fall if leakage falls? |
| Customer-meter inventory, test summaries, replacement dates, and replacement program reports | Could better registration explain a consumption or apparent-loss change? |
| Existing aggregate consumption and billing reconciliation reports, period-alignment calculations, and adjustments | Were calendar-year volumes reconciled consistently, and were data errors corrected? |
| Authorized unbilled-use records and calculations for flushing, firefighting, and other approved uses | How was permitted but unbilled consumption estimated? |
| Leak-detection surveys, leak and break logs, repair work orders, dates, and estimated leak volumes | What physical problems were found and repaired, and how long were they active? |
| Tank overflow records, pressure logs or summaries, pressure-zone studies, and operating changes | Is there field evidence for an overflow or pressure explanation? |
| System boundary schematics, mains and connection inventories, service-length calculations | Did the audited system or the inputs to normalized losses and UARL change? |
| Current and earlier water loss control programs, individual goals, progress reports, and schedules | What work was planned, completed, delayed, or evaluated? |
| Water operating budgets, variable-cost calculations, retail rate schedules, capital plans, and project cost estimates | What do the financial indicators include and what alternatives were considered? |
| Relevant board agendas, minutes, staff reports, adopted budgets, project approvals, and financing applications or awards | What decisions were made, who was responsible, and what public follow-up occurred? |
The Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., provides access to public records subject to exemptions. The Attorney General recommends written requests directed to the records custodian. Use the agency’s published custodian or request instructions. Ask for existing electronic records, identify the utility and years, and request a cost estimate before chargeable work. Narrow dates and record types can make a request easier to fulfill.
An agency may redact exempt material. Ask it to identify the statutory basis for withholding and provide the nonexempt remainder. See the Attorney General’s FAQ for response timing, costs, electronic production, and exemptions. The helper below drafts text; you decide where to send it. Nothing is sent from this page.
Select a focused set of records above and edit this description. Request existing records rather than a new analysis or a response to a questionnaire.
Review the draft and add your reply contact details before sending it yourself. This page does not send or file requests.
Corrections should identify the utility, audit year, field, source record, and proposed change. A later revision should be distinguished from the original published value. When a correction affects a chart, comparison, or explanation, update the affected material and record what changed and why. If a cause cannot be established, keep it marked as unknown.
Use the publisher’s ElliotPierce.net site to locate its current contact options for a reporting correction. Do not send confidential customer account information. This project concerns utility data and public oversight.
Sources: the Georgia Attorney General’s request guide and open-government FAQ explain the records process. EPD’s audit resources identify the audit and certification materials.
The city says it owns and operates the water treatment and distribution system. City governance and agendas are separate from the county water authority.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Published regular meeting: second Tuesday, 6 p.m., authority office, 4665 Happy Valley Road, Flintstone. The site says schedules are subject to change; check posted notices.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Published regular meeting: fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Dade County Administrative Building, 71 Case Avenue, Trenton. Board page provides meeting documents.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Council page identifies five council members and a mayor. Published regular meeting: second Monday, 5 p.m., City Hall, 120 Georgia Avenue. Document repository is linked by the official city website.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Commissioners are elected by utility consumer members for six-year terms. Published regular meetings: second and fourth Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m., utility office, 1058 Old Mill Road, Ringgold. This board is distinct from the county commission.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
County site lists Water District as a department and identifies its director. Chattooga operates under a sole commissioner. Do not describe it as an independently elected utility board.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Unconfirmed: Water-specific governing meeting schedule and designated records custodian not independently confirmed.
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Official city site identifies elected Mayor and City Council and lists water/sewer responsibilities. Government page directs readers to its calendar. Names on this page may be stale; avoid republishing them without current confirmation.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Unconfirmed: Current official meeting schedule, agenda archive and water-specific delegation of authority require further verification. Do not publish a schedule inferred from third-party directories.
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
The city council is the governing authority. Published regular meetings: second and fourth Mondays at 6 p.m. Council page links agendas and recordings.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.
Official Water & Sewer department page identifies the city directors. Official calendar and public-meeting pages provide meeting access.
Official utility information · Governing body · Meetings and public documents
Links checked October 14, 2026. Consult current posted meeting notices. Geographic location does not establish county government control.