Atlanta water provider begins probation period

ATLANTA - Atlanta&#39;s private water provider begins a 90-day probation period Monday. <br> <br> Last week, Mayor Shirley Franklin sent United Water Services Unlimited Atlanta a 4-inch-thick black binder listing scores of alleged deficiencies in the company&#39;s management, operation and maintenance of the city&#39;s water system. <br> <br> Franklin complained of problems including slow installations of water meters, slowness to repair broken lines and failure to keep up water department buildings. <br> <br> The Atlanta mayor says after the 90-day probation she will down with her senior staff and with the management of the water company to determine if their services will continue to be needed. <br> <br> Franklin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday that company officials have assured her they will meet the terms of the 20-year contract that pays United Water $21 million a year. <br> <br> Still, she says she&#39;s won&#39;t hesitate to sever the deal if the company doesn&#39;t perform.