HCWA hosting third annual Citizen Academy for customers
The HCWA is hosting its third annual Citizen Academy during the months of May and June, with three classroom sessions and three facility tours introducing local citizens to the personnel and practices providing them with clean, safe water and sewer services.
The goal of the HCWA Citizen Academy is for residents to learn where their water comes from, how the Authority operates, the value of water, and why it’s important for them to become advocates for water conservation and stewardship. The program is free to HCWA customers with interest in how their water and sewer utility works.
In addition to learning about HCWA operations and touring facilities, participants will meet some of the water professionals who serve them daily, putting a “face” to the Authority’s role in the community.
Participants in the Citizen Academy take part in 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 receive a certificate of completion of the program, a free HCWA fishing permit for one year, a Citizen Academy t-shirt, and additional swag.
All evening classes will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 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:
Session 1: Where does my water come from?
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Session 3: HCWA Planning & Operations
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Session 5 – How to become a water advocate
Thursday, June 13, 2024
All Citizen Academy tours will take place at the respective facility sites on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This year’s Citizen Academy will include the following tour schedule:
Session 2: Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center VIP Boat Tour
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Location: 100 Collins Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248
Session 4: Indian Creek Wastewater Plant VIP Tour
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Location: 1601 Lester Mill Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248
Session 6: Tussahaw Water Plant VIP Tour
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Location: 199 Preservation Road, Jackson, GA 30233
The 2024 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 Saturday, May 11, 2024.
* Participants should be able to attend all six sessions.
For more information on the HCWA Citizen Academy and additional activities in public education and outreach at the Authority, please contact Lindsey Sanders, HCWA Communications and Regulatory Coordinator, at 678-583-3809 or lindsey.sanders@hcwa.com.
Caption for photo:
Participants in the 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy will enjoy three classes, two plant tours, and a boat tour (pictured) of one of the Authority’s drinking water reservoirs.
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Media contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu