The City of East Point administers a program of surveying, inspection, and testing of all backflow prevention devices and assemblies within the City of East Point water distribution systems. This Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program is ongoing in nature and was devised and implemented with security of the potable water supply and the health of our citizens in mind. Accordingly, this program was created and is administered by the City of East Point, in conjunction with the State of Georgia Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. This program, and its terms and conditions, are in place to illustrate the requirements for installation of approved backflow devices or assemblies, and the related responsibilities for regular maintenance, inspection and testing. A vital part of this program is the annual inspection and testing of all backflow assemblies by a State of Georgia certified tester with test results being forwarded to the City of East Point Backflow Prevention/Cross Connection Program.

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Contact Us

Jaszmine Dace

Backflow Prevention Technician

Office

(404) 270-7194

Email

jdace@eastpointcity.org

Downloads:

Backflow Prevention Test
Backflow Tester Database

The City of East Point Water and Sewer Engineering and Construction division is dedicated to providing cost competitive engineering design, project management, real property management, construction management, inspection, and technical/operating support services in coordination with East Point’s Capital Improvement Program. The results of this effort provides East Point’s ratepayers with more reliable, high quality and cost effective water and sewer projects and service.

This division will effectively meet these challenges through the provision of proper engineering planning, property acquisition, design, and construction management support and services. Developing proper scope, timing and cost projections for projects is also critical to promoting regulatory and public support, while minimizing increases in water and sewer rates. The Engineering and Construction division is also responsible for the development and maintenance of standard documents, technical and operating standards, and training to assure that East Point Water and Sewer department can effectively achieve their operating goals.

East Point Power Security Light Fee Schedule FY’ 2023

The build-up of FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) in the sewer system causes sewer blockages. This eventually results in sewer backups that can overflow onto streets and into homes, damaging property and the environment. Untreated sewage can flow into storm drain inlets, creeks, lakes or rivers. Most overflows are relatively small and can be stopped and cleaned up quickly. If not addressed, overflows can result in property damage, strong odors, and environmental, health and safety problems. In neighborhoods that experience sewer blockages and backups due to fats, oils and grease sewer system maintenance is expensive and can contribute to increasing costs for sewer service.

Did you know that approximately 85 percent of grease-related sewer blockages and overflows originate in residential areas? All households play an important role in preventing neighbourhood sewer system blockages. East Point’s goal is to take a proactive approach to pollution prevention which focuses on proper FOG disposal, thus protecting the environment and decreasing sewer maintenance costs.

The Garbage Disposal is a wonderful invention, but did you know some food waste (dairy, meats) is not meant to go down your kitchen drain? After cooking, simply pour the excess FOG into a jar and toss it into the trash. If you’re feeling super resourceful, try reusing the oil! Most fats and oils are reusable at least once more as long as they are kept refrigerated between uses. You can also take FOG to several Fulton County transfer and recycling centers.

Environmental Compliance registers all Generators (hotels, schools, daycares, carwash, automotive maintenance, churches, industrial facilities) that have or are required to install a grease, oil/water separator or sand grit interceptor. The application to register a grease, oil/water device or sand grit can be found in “Payments & Forms” under the Water & Sewer Department. Permitted Generators are monitored through a system of manifest reporting, as well as routine inspection visits by Environmental Compliance Personnel.

Downloads:

Commercial Waste Discharge Permit Application
Exterior Construction Information Packet
Interior Construction Information Packet

The Sewer Line Maintenance Division is responsible for both scheduled preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to the City’s 153-miles of wastewater collection pipelines and 3400 manholes.

Maintenance and repairs of the City’s collection system include the following:

• Sewer line cleaning
• Line inspection
• Line maintenance
• Line repairs
• New installations

We inspect and test waste water collection systems to prevent infiltration from developing and to correct any existing inflow into the system. The existence of leaks in the waste water collection system is a serious and often expensive problem.

Leaks in the collection system can allow ground water to infiltrate and take up valuable space needed for sewage. If too much infiltration occurs, the collection system can overflow causing raw waste water to back up into the streets where it pollutes the soil and ground water. After areas with high levels of infiltration are located, a field verification of the problem is required to be conducted using visual inspection, smoke testing, dye testing and/or TV inspection.

It may sound odd, but the “cleaning” of a waste water collection system helps it function as intended and minimizes the number of line blocks, odor complaints and lift station failures. New construction or line installations consist of installing new service lines and man holes located on private property or streets and main lines or man holes located in easements, alleyways and streets.

Stormwater Management Regulatory Program

East Point is subject to a wide variety of flood risks. Flooding most commonly occurs during the rainy season from June to November. Low-lying areas near streams are particularly subject to flooding. Several areas of the city have experienced flooding from Camp Creek, Utoy Creek, and South River. The City’s most recent major flood events occurred in the fall of 2009 and the winter of 2010. Several properties within the City suffered flood damage. In these events, flood waters ranged from 1 to 3 feet in some areas. Residents shall be reminded that flood waters are dangerous. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of passenger cars and cause a loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

Your property may be high enough that it has not flooded recently. If your property is in the floodplain, the odds are that someday your property will be damaged by flood. According to the East Point Flood Damage Protection Ordinance, if cumulative substantial improvements to a building over 10-years are more than 50% of the current market value, the entire building must be protected from flooding according to new building standards. Flood Protection Brochure

BE FLOOD SAFE!

It is important to recognize the power of floodwaters and to take proactive measures to prevent injury or death. Drowning is the number one cause of flood-related deaths; just six inches of moving water can be enough to knock an adult off their feet.

DO NOT walk through flowing water. Use a stick, pole or similar tool to walk in standing water to avoid falling into holes and other hidden dangers.

DO NOT drive through a flooded area or around barriers. In floods, more people drown in cars than anywhere else, and barriers may indicate a road or bridge is washed out.

DO NOT touch or go near downed power lines or electrical wires. The number two cause of death during flood events is electrocution. Immediately report downed power lines to East Point Power at (404) 270-7125.

DO NOT use appliances or motors that have gotten wet, even if they were unplugged before being touched by water. Appliances may keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other activities.

Always check with the city before you build, alter, re-grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you see building or filling without a city permit posted, call (404) 765-1144 to report your concern.

Click here for more information regarding the actions to take when you receive a flood watch or warning alert.

CITY FLOOD SERVICES

The City of East Point provides resources for property owners to determine their flood hazard and  their options for flood protection. Flood maps and flood protection reference materials are available at the office of the Storm Water Division at City Hall located at 2757 East Point Street, East Point, Georgia 30344. The Storm Water Division also has information about area floodplains, as well as maps to show Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), flood zones, and flood elevations. Copies of Elevation Certificates and historical information about past flooding problems and flood depths are maintained by the same office. The Water and Sewer Department conducts site visits to review flooding, drainage, sewer problems, and to give advice to property owners. Call (470) 303-2334 to receive more information or schedule a visit.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM

The most serious threat of general flooding is during the hurricane season (June through November). Residents should stay tuned to television and radio weather broadcasts for special alerts, warnings and advisories. The City of East Point uses the CodeRED Emergency Notification System to inform residents of tornado, flash flood, and severe weather warnings by calling your home or cell phone. You are encouraged to register for CodeRED through the City’s website.

Please call the Storm Water Division at (470) 303-2334 or (404) 559-6380 to report the following:

• Report illegal dumping in storm drains
• Request drainage system maintenance
• Flood Zone Determinations
• To request copies of Elevation Certificates

FLOOD INSURANCE

Talk to your insurance agent if you don’t have flood insurance, because homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Because East Point participates in the NFIP, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded previously. Some individuals have purchased flood insurance because it was required to obtain a loan. Usually, such policies cover a structure and not its contents. Flooding in East Point usually causes more damage to what’s inside a building as opposed to the building itself. So, if you have a flood insurance policy, be sure the building coverage is adequate and make sure you have contents coverage.

Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance! There is a 30-day waiting period before NFIP coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP INFORMATION

>> Search the map here for your property’s specific flood risk. <<

The East Point floodplain management program provides information to inquirers from the communities Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), including whether a property is in a flood hazard area and its base flood elevation. To obtain FIRM information contact Eric Emmett at (470) 303-2334 or eemmett@eastpointcity.org.

FLOOD PROTECTION LIBRARY (LIB)

1. Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
2. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
3. Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, (2011)
4. Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
5. Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
6. Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257 (1994)
7. Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)
8. Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
9. Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005)

FLOOD ZONE DISCLOSURE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS

FEMA and Flood Zones: Real Estate Agent Frequently Asked Questions

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Click here for information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

COMPLIANCE

Every year flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures remain susceptible. Throughout the county there is a growing interest from property owners to develop practical and cost-effective methods for reducing or eliminating exposures to flooding. Several effective methods include acquisition, relocation of a building to a site not subject to flooding, demolition of a structure, or retrofitting.

Retrofitting is when the property itself remains subject to flooding, but the building is modified to prevent or minimize flooding of habitable space. There are several approaches to retrofitting, including elevating the structure, wet flood-proofing, dry flood-proofing, and relocation.

In the event of a flood threat, it is advisable to take the following emergency actions:

• Place sand bags to reduce erosion and scouring
• Elevate furniture above flood levels
• Seal off sewer lines in the dwelling to prevent the backflow of sewer waters

TRIBUTARY/STORMWATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Do not dump or throw anything into ditches, Stormwater systems or tributaries. Dumping in ditches or other drainage structures is a violation of Article B of the City of East Point Zoning Ordinance. When ditches or systems become clogged by debris, flooding occurs more frequently and reaches a higher elevation, subjecting properties to unnecessary risk of damage. Remember, it is ILLEGAL to dump materials into storm drains! If you witness dumping, or find debris in ditches or streams, call (404) 765-1144 to report your concern. Keep everything out of storm drains except for the Stormwater runoff that they are designed to collect!

FLOODPLAIN

All properties located within the designated SFHA on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are subject to state and local regulations. However, prior to undertaking any reconstruction, rehabilitation, additions or other activities a builder must secure the necessary permits from the city’s Water and Sewer Department.  Always check with the city before you build, alter, re-grade, or making any necessary improvements to your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you see unauthorized work activity without a city permit posted, call (404) 765-1144 to report your concern.

ELEVATION CERTIFICATES

East Point also maintains elevation certificates for some properties in the floodplain.
For additional information, call (470) 303-2334.

The Water and Sewer Department is committed to providing the best possible water service to our customers. Our water consistently meets all federal and state standards. Waterline Maintenance operations is proactive in performing continual evaluation and rehabilitation of the water system. A comprehensive program of on-going investigation and preventative maintenance maximizes system performance and is more economical than expensive and inconvenient emergency repairs. The Water Line Maintenance Division is responsible for both scheduled preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to the City’s 164-miles of water distribution mains.

Consisting of only 10 employees, the Water Line Maintenance Division’s responsibilities include maintaining:

• Water mains
• Fire hydrants
• Valves
• Customer water service lines

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

One of the responsibilities of the Water Line Maintenance Division is to perform emergency repairs to water transmission mains, individual water services, broken fire hydrants, leaking valves, broken meter vaults and any other part of the distribution system that fails.

Despite our best efforts to maintain the system, pipes deteriorate on the inside from water corrosion and on the outside from moisture, shifting earth and tree roots. The need for repair may surface by way of loss of water pressure, a water leak, or by poor water quality. Fire hydrants may fail due to frequent use, being struck in traffic accidents and vandalism.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

In an effort to provide the highest quality water to our customers, the Water Line Maintenance Division performs routine, scheduled maintenance on the water distribution system. This work includes water main flushing, water valve exercising and fire hydrant servicing.