HCWA hosting second annual Citizen Academy this Spring/Summer
The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) will be hosting its second annual Citizen Academy during May and June, inviting Authority customers to come learn more about their water utility.
The goal of the HCWA Citizen Academy is for local citizens to learn where their water comes from, how the Authority operates, the value of water, and why it’s important for customers to become advocates for water conservation and stewardship. In addition to touring Authority facilities, participants will meet the water professionals who provide them with clean and safe drinking water and wastewater services daily.
Participants in the Citizen Academy will be treated to six total sessions – three evening classes with dinner, two private VIP plant tours, and a boat tour on one of the Authority’s drinking water reservoirs. After completing the Academy, graduates will receive a free HCWA fishing permit for one year, a Citizen Academy t-shirt, and additional swag.
All evening classes will be held on Thursdays at the HCWA Engineering Building, located at 100 Westridge Industrial Boulevard in McDonough. This year’s HCWA Citizen Academy will include the following class schedule:
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Session 1: Where does my water come from?
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Session 2: HCWA Planning & Operations.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Session 3 – How to become a water advocate and Graduation Day.
All Citizen Academy tours will take place on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This year’s Citizen Academy will include the following tour schedule:
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Indian Creek Wastewater Plant VIP Tour
1601 Lester Mill Road, Locust Grove
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Tussahaw Water Plant VIP Tour
199 Preservation Road, Jackson
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center VIP Boat Tour
100 Collins Road, Locust Grove
The 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy will be limited to 15 participants, with additional applicants placed on a waiting list. The criteria for participating in the Citizen Academy include:
* You must be a Henry County Water Authority customer.
* Anyone under the age of 18 (who must be at least 13 years old) must be accompanied by an adult.
* Each participant must fill out and return an application and waiver by Thursday, May 11, 2023.
* Participants should be able to attend all six sessions.
The response from participants in last year’s inaugural Citizen Academy, who provided feedback through exit interviews and surveys, was overwhelmingly positive, prompting the Authority to host the program again this year.
“The amount of work and heart it took to put on this (Citizen Academy) was amazing, and it provided a great opportunity for us to ask questions,” noted one participant. “I liked learning what goes on behind the scenes,” noted another, followed by: “it was very informative, with lots of information. I have a greater appreciation for what (the Authority) does.” Finally, “The Citizen Academy was very informative, and I would encourage everyone to (participate in this event).”
For more information on the HCWA Citizen Academy, as well as other opportunities for public education, please contact Lindsey Sanders, HCWA Communications and Regulatory Coordinator, at lindsey.sanders@hcwa.com, or 678-583-3809.
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Media contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu