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The Macon Water Authority’s vital goal is to maintain the health of local natural resources, such as the Ocmulgee River.

The MWA Laboratory/Environmental Compliance Department ensures protection throughout the environment through routine testing and monitoring of the raw water in our critical water resources.

Water Sampling & Testing

More than 5,000 samples each year are analyzed according to EPA requirements. The MWA performs over 15 tests regularly in the laboratory and the field.

These tests include:

  • Biochemical oxygen demand 5 day (BOD5)
  • Total suspended solids (TSS)
  • Ammonia nitrogen (NH3:N)
  • Dissolved oxygen (DO2)
  • Fecal coliform bacteria

A computerized Laboratory Information Management System records all samples and test results. Quality assurance and control procedures ensure results meet necessary water quality regulatory standards.

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For More Information About Laboratory & Environmental Compliance, Please Call 478-464-5600.

Environmental Permits

The Macon Water Authority, like every utility that discharges treated wastewater into water bodies in America, is issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits with requirements from EPA.

In Georgia, these permits are carried out by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), which sets forth requirements for the MWA’s Rocky Creek and Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facilities. The Laboratory/Environmental Compliance Department is responsible for several key parts of the MWA’s NPDES permits.

Sample testing from the Rocky Creek and Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facilities is done to guarantee that these operations meet NPDES specifications and maintain the Ocmulgee River’s water quality. Department staff members conduct this testing at least six days per week throughout the year.

One of the most important public services provided by the MWA Laboratory/Environmental Compliance Department is ensuring that the wastewater released by industries into the MWA system – and eventually back into the Ocmulgee River after MWA wastewater treatment – will not cause any harm. Oversight and (industrial) monitoring of our local industries help make them better environmental stewards and partners with the MWA to protect the water quality in the Ocmulgee River and other local water bodies for the health and safety of the community.