Water board: Counties need cooperation to handle additional sewage

ATLANTA - Metro Atlanta counties will need to work together to handle millions of gallons of additional sewage by 2008, reported a state-created water board. <br> <br> The regional water board found Fulton, Rockdale and Forsyth counties in need of more sewage treatment capacity, but have no plans to get it. A ban on new sewer hookups has slowed growth in Fulton County. <br> <br> The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, created by the state Legislature in March 2001, drafted a short-term wastewater capacity plan that says the 16 metro counties will need to treat an additional 126 million gallons a day 22 percent more than it handles now. <br> <br> The cost to users would be about $1 billion, reported The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday. <br> <br> The water board also said new laws are needed to prevent erosion, water pollution and to reduce storm water runoff. <br> <br> The proposals are up for public comment through June 19. <br> <br> The water board, made up of local elected officials and appointees, will vote on the plans Aug. 1.