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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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com