Major improvements to DeKalb's water and sewer system are far behind schedule, and the consequences are being felt across the county.

Proposed businesses and apartments projects are being warned of potential sewer capacity limitations. Sewer spills continue to pollute rivers. And residents have been paying for the improvements through their water bills, which increased 59 percent to pay for the upgrades.

The $1.35 billion infrastructure effort was originally planned in 2010 to to be finished in five years, but now it won't be done till 2022.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez