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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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller