Every day, the City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management (DWM) delivers clean, safe drinking water to more than 1.2 million people. But what many may not realize is the 24/7 effort behind the scenes to keep that water flowing—rain or shine, day or night.
At the heart of this effort is the DWM Command Center, a state-of-the-art operations hub where technology and teamwork converge to protect the city’s most essential resource.
“This is where we monitor, coordinate, and respond,” said Commissioner Greg Eyerly. “During critical situations, the command center becomes the nerve center of our operations.”
How the System Works
Equipped with real-time data tracking, the center monitors everything from water treatment plant performance and system-wide water pressure to the deployment of field crews responding to infrastructure issues.
When major incidents such as water main breaks occur, the command center enables DWM to act quickly—dispatching repair crews, coordinating bottled water distribution, and communicating with the public through timely updates.
During extreme weather—whether it’s freezing temperatures or heavy rainfall—the command center activates enhanced protocols. These proactive measures help mitigate potential damage and ensure the system’s stability even under the most challenging conditions.
Protecting Public Health
Public health is also a top priority. In situations where water quality is at risk, the department can quickly assess the threat and issue boil-water advisories as needed.
“Our systems are designed to assess, coordinate, communicate, and resolve water issues efficiently,” officials noted. Whether managing a citywide emergency or addressing a localized issue, DWM’s mission remains clear: restore clean, safe drinking water as safely and quickly as possible.
A Promise of Reliability
With its command center, the Department of Watershed Management has bolstered its resilience, responsiveness, and commitment to safeguarding public health for all Atlantans.
