Transforming Atlanta’s Water with Modern Technology

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is redefining what it means to be a modern utility in the digital age. Serving more than 1.2 million customers daily, DWM is transforming decades-old infrastructure into a connected, data driven “Smart Utility” through the strategic use of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, smart meters, and advanced operational technologies.

At the heart of this transformation is DWM’s vision to bridge the gap between legacy systems and the future of intelligent infrastructure. Through initiatives such as smart leak detection, real-time monitoring, cloud based analytics, and enhanced SCADA systems, the department is leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen resilience, reduce water loss, and improve customer service.

Rather than replacing institutional knowledge, DWM is integrating innovation with experience—empowering its workforce with modern digital tools while preserving the operational expertise built over generations. This balanced approach demonstrates how an established public utility can evolve into a forward-thinking organization that embraces technology, sustainability, and smarter decision-making to better serve the City of Atlanta and surrounding cities within the metro Atlanta area.