Garden City - A WaterFirst Community

Garden City has become one of only a handful of local governments statewide to be designated a Georgia Department of Community Affairs WaterFirst community.

City officials received the designation in a Thursday ceremony.

Only 21 cities, counties and water communities statewide had earned the designation as of 2010. Savannah and Tybee also are WaterFirst communities.

To receive the designation, applicants must demonstrate stewardship in water conservation, water supply protection, storm water management and water reclamation. WaterFirst communities are eligible for interest rate reductions on Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority grants and can receive Community Development Block Grants for water projects as well as Clean Water Act grants.

"The city has always tried to be good stewards of both our community's water resources and well as those of our region," deputy city manager Ron Feldner said in an email. "The WaterFirst designation will enable us to implement major water-related projects at a reduced cost to our customers because of the financial opportunities and benefits that come with this designation.

Below is a the presentation of the WaterFirst Award

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