CHICAGO, IL, March 18, 2014 -- Through a new partnership, the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) in the state of Georgia will undergo a comprehensive and independent review of its water and wastewater operations to help the county identify cost savings and improve customer service.
DWM hired Veolia Environnement, an environmental and water services and technology provider, to conduct the four-month-long evaluation to recommend these efficiencies and potentially save an estimated $8 million annually for DeKalb ratepayers, reducing costs and helping mitigate rate increases.
The partnership is also expected to improve customer service and reduce wait times for customers. A thorough review of the utility's administration, planning, operations, maintenance and capital programs, customer service, and billing and collections will also occur.
In partnering with Veolia, DeKalb County has selected a consulting model currently being used in Pittsburgh, New York City and Washington, D.C. Known as Peer Performance Solutions (PPS), this model blends a public workforce and embedded private-sector experts to deliver sustainable best practices that accelerate innovation and efficiency improvements at public utilities.
Following its initial assessment, Veolia will work with DWM to implement county-approved operations and management initiatives that will achieve measurable operational, revenue and organizational enhancements to ultimately reduce operating costs and improve service levels, allowing DWM to provide more efficient and sustainable services.
DWM provides services to 700,000 residents in the Atlanta metropolitan region through its system of water treatment and distribution, customer service, and wastewater collection and treatment.
About DeKalb County
DeKalb County is Georgia's third largest county, with more than 700,000 residents calling it home. Known for its business and education hub, growing international community and natural wonders, DeKalb County Government is administered by Interim Chief Executive Officer Lee May and legislative policy is set by a seven member Board of Commissioners. For more information, visit
www.dekalbwatershed.com.
About Veolia Environnement
Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE and NYSE: VE) is the worldwide reference in environmental solutions. With 220,000 employees, the company has operations all around the world and provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of municipal and industrial customers in three complementary segments: water management, waste management and energy management. Veolia Environnement recorded revenue of $31 billion in 2013. For more information, vist www.veolia.com
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