Design work begins on new Dahlonega water plant

DAHLONEGA - Design work has begun on a new water treatment plant in Dahlonega as city fathers await state approval of a new withdrawal permit.

City Manager Bill Lewis said Monday design work began about two weeks ago and the plant is expected to be "on line" around 2010.

It will be located on the Yahoola Creek Reservoir which has been filled and will serve both Dahlonega and Lumpkin County: 46 percent of capacity will be devoted to the county and 54 percent to the city, according to Lewis.

The city has applied to the state Environmental Protection Division for a permit to withdraw up to 5.7 million gallons per day from the reservoir compared to the 1.25 million gallons now allowed from Yahoola Creek.

Lewis added that Dahlonega is now within about 200,000 gallons of running out of capacity and supply.