AAS is a hands on, do-it-yourself program aimed at advancing citizen stewardship and understanding of our precious streams. Public outreach, education and citizen involvement are also promoted through the AAS program.

There is a level of commitment involved with AAS and you will get your hands a little dirty and your feet a little wet, but this is all part of the fun about truly learning about nature. In this program, you will learn how to properly identify macroinvertebrates and explore their habitats, perform visual stream monitoring and conduct water quality testing. You will see firsthand how your involvement improves a stream's quality and appearance.

Anyone who is concerned about water quality! We are currently looking for volunteers from student organizations, youth and church groups, scout troops, civic organizations, local business and industry. The preferred age of volunteers is 12 years of age however adult supervision is required for any volunteer under the age of 18.

To become a certified volunteer and/or trainer, participants must first complete a series of workshops offered by our award winning Adopt-A-Stream trainers.

Columbia County AAS follows the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream standards. For useful manuals, forms, education credit information and State Performance Standards information, visit the Georgia AAS website. If you are interested in more information, please contact 706-447-7727.

Apply to Become a Volunteer Fire Fighter

Contact Georgia Forestry Commission for Burn Permits

Great question! To ensure the safety and fair competition, we've developed the Youth Sports Handbook (YSH), covering our philosophy behind youth sports and other useful information.

View the Youth Sports Handbook (PDF).

We're always looking for additional Volunteer Coaches. If you'd like be a Volunteer Coach, call 1 706-863-7523 or indicate you want to be involved during your athlete's registration process.

Cancellations due to weather or field conditions will generally be made no earlier than 3:00pm day of. Home page of quickscores will state if we cancel practices games. You can see this at the top of the page in red print. https://www.quickscores.com/columbiacountyga   

Coaches will also receive an email from their league coordinator.

You can find a list of all Columbia County parks on the Columbia County website at https://www.columbiacountyga.gov/ under the ‘Our Community’ tab and by clicking the ‘Parks & Trails’ link. 

We consider all of our leagues ages 8 and below developmental leagues that are geared to focus on introducing the sport and receiving repetition within the game. With this in mind, we form teams randomly through an auto generated system. Head Coaches are allowed two trades during the Coaches Meeting. 

All leagues ages 9 and up are considered competitive leagues where we keep standings and therefor form teams through an evaluation and draft process. The coaches will evaluate the kids in fundamental related drills to assess their current level of play and subsequently draft their team through a snake draft order. Any children who are unable to make the evaluation process are assigned to a team at the end of the draft at random and are not allowed to be drafted or traded for. This is to prevent any possible attempt of stacking a team through selecting a kid who did not attend the evaluation.

The rules for each in season league can be found in the ‘Downloads’ tab of quickscores. https://www.quickscores.com/columbiacountyga

The games schedule for all leagues can also be found on quickscores by clicking on the ‘Schedules’ tab and then selecting your specific league categorized by sport. https://www.quickscores.com/columbiacountyga

Games canceled due to weather, field conditions or similar conditions will be rescheduled. Rescheduled games will reflect as such on quickscores within a few days to a week. Coaches should also be emailed by their coordinator once the rescheduled games are finalized.

Games will not be rescheduled due to school functions.

Due to the size of our county and the number of registrants involved we are unable to fulfill team/coach requests. In all leagues ages 8 and below head coaches are allowed two trades during the coaches meeting if present. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching a recreation team you can reach out to Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events at 706-863-7523 with your expressed interest.

Regarding leagues ages 9 and up, teams are formed by an evaluation and draft process which removes the possibility of team/coach requests as the coaches competitively select their team through a snake draft order.

In certain leagues we offer more than one location when registering your child for the season. Final registration numbers ultimately determine whether separate locations remain a viable option or if the two locations are combined into one to provide an adequate number of teams for a league. For this reason, locations are never guaranteed. 

Yes, either a league coordinator or part time field supervisor will be present at each park/gym site or cluster of fields each night of games. League Coordinators will be in their Columbia County collared shirts. Part time field supervisors can be identified by the bright neon yellow Columbia County staff shirts. The staff is in place to handle any issues or questions outside of calls within a game. They are not there to overrule our officials. 

Call us or give us an email.

Yes. Georgia law requires that the names of potential jurors be identified through a rather complicated process. Once the citizens who are to serve on the juror panel have been identified and notices have been sent to each of the potential jurors, each juror is expected to attend the court session as outlined in the juror summons.

Yes. Georgia law specifically provides that only citizens of the United States are qualified to serve as jurors.

You must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Columbia County, a citizen of the United States, and cannot be a convicted felon whose civil rights have not been restored. There are additional requirements that are specific to the case to be tried, but the list above forms the basic qualifications.

Please contact the Clerk of Court and advise her staff that you no longer reside in Columbia County. If you are not presently a resident of Columbia County, you cannot serve on a jury in a case in the Columbia Judicial Circuit.

Georgia law provides a few, very specific situations to allow a juror to have his/her service deferred to another date and time. Your juror summons should have identified a date and time for excuses to be considered. Please plan to attend that proceeding and let your issue be known. Only rarely is a juror truly "excused" from jury service - usually only deferred to another date and time. 

MOVE is a Columbia County-run program, designed to allow ANYONE to participate in monthly challenges, beginner weekend workouts, and healthy-eating practices. The program is open to all ages and abilities.

MOVE is for everyone. Families, stroller groups, seniors, local Businesses, couch-to-5kers, and everyone in between.

MOVE is absolutely free. Free measured walking paths, free Weekend Workouts, and more!

Weekend Workouts: Free Yoga and other instructor-led beginner classes. Wellness Wednesdays: Ages 5 to 12.

Currently, each class is planned for up to 1 hour. Weekend Workouts will occur from 9 am until 10 am at The Plaza. Participants can come and go as they please.

A representative from Columbia County will be on-site for each of the sessions.

RFID scanners are installed near restroom structures, allowing you to swipe your card for check-in 24/7.

Weekend Workouts and Wellness Wednesdays will be led by trained instructors.

Weather-appropriate, loose, comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Bring a bottle of water and a towel, if necessary. If attending one of our yoga workouts, bring your own mat.

In the event of rainy or threatening weather, our planned outdoor activities will be cancelled. We'll email all registered members and post to our Facebook page (Columbia County Parks, Recreation, and Events) any time this situation occurs.

You can get a replacement by emailing or calling us. While the first card is absolutely free, any replacement will result in a $5 charge.

You can win water bottles, workout gear, and gift cards. As the program grows, so will the prizes.

While we hope you would join us during regularly scheduled programs, yes, you can also walk at anytime the parks are open. Note: some parks occasionally close for ticketed events.

You can earn points at any of our planned events. Additionally, you can earn points by scanning your card at Blanchard Park, Blanchard Woods Park, Evans Towne Center Park, Eubank Blanchard Park, Gateway Park, Lakeside Park, Memorial Gardens Park, Patriots Park, Reed Creek Park and Savannah Rapids Park.

Not yet! But keep checking back.

Please contact Animal Services at 706-541-4077.

Floodplains are the low, flat lands adjacent to streams, rivers, and lakes that flood frequently. They are considered part of a health stream and are designed to hold in flood waters, as well as support a variety of natural resources and provide natural flood and erosion control.

Floodplain management is the operation of a community program of preventive and correct measures to reduce risk of current and future flooding, resulting in a more resilient community.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand $50.00, Ammonia $60.00, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) $60.00, Volatile Suspended Solids $60.00, Total Coliform Bacteria (TCB) $55.00, Fecal Coliform Bacteria $70.00, pH/Mineral $20.00.

There is a $775.00 deposit, A monthly rental fee of $130.00, and a fee of $2.24 per k per gal water used.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determined that the entire state would be required to adopt year-round water conservation measures. In 2004, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted an Outdoor Water Use Ordinance that specifies when water may be used outdoors during various drought and non-drought conditions to comply with the DNR rules. This ordinance was revised in 2010.

According to the County's Outdoor Water Use Ordinance (PDF), during the current Level 1 drought conditions, residents may water between the hours of 4 pm and 10 am. No watering between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.

You can call the Water Treatment Plant at 706-860-2587. The Water Utility has personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may call Water Utility's Accounts Payable Office at 706-868-3475.

The invoice should be submitted to P.O. Box 960 Grovetown, GA 30813.

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record sanitary sewer flow for a cost of $350.00. To order a sanitary sewer flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record flow on a 24-hour chart for a cost of $325. To order a flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

The Water Specification book is available at Columbia County Water Utility, 2140 William Few Parkway, Grovetown, GA 30813 and costs $40.

The Columbia County Water Utility is constantly expanding. To determine how future plans might be affecting your area, contact our Engineering Department at 706-651-0433.

The current fee for a septic tank truck to dump is $100 per truckload up to 3,000 gallons. Each additional thousand gallons costs an additional $40.

If the establishment is uncertain whether it has a grease interceptor, then the owner should look outside the building for one or two manholes labeled Grease with a cleanout close by. This should be located close to the building. A grease trap or grease interceptor will be required to receive the drainage from fixtures and equipment with grease-laden waste located in food preparation areas (e.g., such as in restaurants, hotel kitchens, hospitals, school kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias, or restaurants, and clubs).

Grease Interceptors should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, sludge, and wash down material from the interior walls). Grease Traps should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, and solids from walls, screens, baffles and air-relief chambers). Can you recommend a maintenance schedule? All grease interceptors should be cleaned at least every 3 months, but some establishments may find it necessary to clean their traps more often. If the establishment has to clean its trap too often, the owner should consider installing a larger trap or interceptor.

An interceptor is a vault with a minimum capacity of 1000 gallons that is located on the exterior of the building. The vault includes a minimum of two compartments, and flow between each compartment is through a 90° fitting designed for grease retention. The capacity of the interceptor provides adequate residence time so that the wastewater has time to cool, allowing any remaining grease not collected by the traps time to congeal and rise to the surface where it accumulates until the interceptor is cleaned.

A trap is a small reservoir built into the wastewater piping a short distance from the grease producing area. Baffles in the reservoir retain the wastewater long enough for the grease to congeal and rise to the surface. The grease can then be removed and disposed of properly.

In the sewage collection and treatment business, the answer is an absolute yes! Grease is singled out for special attention because of its poor solubility in water and its tendency to separate from the liquid solution. Large amounts of oil and grease in the wastewater cause trouble in the collection system pipes. It decreases pipe capacity and, therefore, requires that piping systems be cleaned more often and/or some piping to be replaced sooner than otherwise expected. Oil and grease also hamper effective treatment at the wastewater treatment plant. Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful. But, as the liquid cools, the grease or fat congeals and causes mats on the surface of settling tanks, digesters, and the interior of pipes and other surfaces which may cause a shutdown of wastewater treatment units. Problems caused by wastes from restaurants and other grease-producing establishments have served as the basis for ordinances and regulations governing the discharge of grease materials to the sanitary sewer system. This type of waste has forced the requirement of the installation of preliminary treatment facilities, commonly known as grease traps or interceptors.

Chlorine (Hypochlorite) for disinfection, Sodium hydroxide (Caustic) for pH adjustment, Aluminum sulfate (Alum) as a coagulant aid, Fluoride for healthy teeth, Phosphate for corrosion control, Potassium permanganate for iron and manganese control, and Lime as a coagulant aid and for pH adjustment.

Columbia County's water is very soft. The hardness is less than 25 milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Water is usually considered hard if the calcium carbonate levels are greater than 60 milligrams per liter.

Chlorine is added as a disinfecting agent to kill disease-causing microorganisms that can be present in raw water sources. Columbia County maintains a 0.2-2.0 mg/L chlorine residual in its finished water.

When your drinking water has a smell of chlorine or Clorox, it is usually because the chlorine level is too low. Some people can smell the chlorine in their water if the level goes below 0.3 milligrams per liter. Please call the Water Utility if you smell chlorine in your water.

The waters from the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Reservoir have concentrations of manganese and iron salts. Trace amounts of these minerals pass through the filter systems at our treatment facilities. When the water pressures in the pipes go up or down, the mineral deposits are pulled off the walls of the pipes, causing the water to have a brown or rusty orange color. A mineral deposit the size of a dime can cause a whole house's water supply to be discolored. This does not cause health problems. If your water is discolored you can call the Water Office at 706-863-6928, and the water mains in your area will be flushed.

The chemical and microbiological quality of the water is constantly being monitored. Water plant operators analyze the water over 400 times a day. Central Laboratory personnel run at least 100 bacteriological tests, 100 chlorine tests, and over 25 additional quality control tests per month. In general, the drinking water is tested over 100,000 times a year.

Columbia County's drinking water is withdrawn from either the Savannah River or the Thurmond Lake Reservoir at Clarks Hill. Up to 46 million gallons per day is withdrawn from the Savannah River and is treated at the Jim Blanchard Water Treatment Facility on Point Comfort Road. The Clarks Hill Water Treatment Plant is capable of treating a daily maximum of 8 MGD.

The normal range for fluoride in Columbia County's drinking water is 0.7 - 1.2 milligrams per liter. Fluoride is added to our drinking water to promote healthy teeth. Trace amounts of fluoride are naturally present in most water sources. The range is 0.0 to 0.2 milligrams per liter in the CSRA.

Yes! Laboratory personnel collect over 200 bacteria and other quality control samples a month throughout the water system to make sure Columbia County's water is safe for human consumption. The water treatment operators and the laboratory analysts work as a team to insure that the drinking water meets or exceeds all EPA and Georgia EPD water quality standards.

When you see these markings, it means that someone has requested the locating of utilities in anticipation of performing work in the area. Lines may be painted on the road or in a yard to designate the different utilities that are buried. Each utility's lines are marked with a different color. The colors are: blue for water; green for sewer; orange for phone or cable; red for power; and yellow for gas. The locating of utilities can be requested by contacting the Utilities Protection Center at 800-282-7411.

The County's right-of-way is typically the first 10 feet beyond the curb. This area is reserved by the County for the placement of public utilities such as water lines. Repairs and upgrades are necessary from time to time, and this area has to be excavated.

During water line construction, the water may become discolored. This happens when deposits in a water line become dislodged when flows are increased or there is a change of direction.

A milky appearance is typically due to excess air in the water. This does not affect the quality of the water.

To reduce water pressure coming into a house, a customer can purchase and install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the water line between the meter and the house. Because the PRV is installed between the meter and the house, its maintenance and repair are the customer's responsibility.

Federal regulations require a minimum water pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) in our water lines at all times. Columbia County typically maintains pressures of 50-90 psi throughout the system, so water pressure does vary considerably in different areas of the County. Low water pressure may be caused by a leak or a restriction in the line. If you believe you are having a problem, contact our office at 706-863-6928.

Water and sewer rates are established by resolution of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

The three lowest water usages from the months of December, January, February, and March are averaged together. Your sewer charge for the next 12 months is that average times the applicable sewer rate. Customers with no history are charged a flat rate of $29.39/month as established by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

If same day service was requested when the account was set up, a $40 fee is added to the initial bill and shows up as a previous balance.

Before the bill's due date, you may call our office at 706-863-6928 to work out an alternate payment arrangement in extenuating circumstances.

Payments are collected from the drop box Monday through Friday and are credited to the account the same day they are collected.

A drop box is available in the drive-through lane at 2140 William Few Parkway, Building A, Grovetown, GA 30813. We also have a drop box located at 4325 Evans-to-Locks Road, Evans, GA 30809 by the flagpole.

Cycle 1 payments are due by the 15th of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 15th of the month for cycle 1 bills. Cycle 2 bills are due by the 1st of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 1st of the month.

All Cycle 1 water and sewerage bills are mailed on the last working day of each month. Cycle 2 water and sewerage bills are mailed no later than the 15th of each month.

Visit our online portal to pay your Water Bill Online.

Yes. You will need to complete the Bank Draft Application Form (PDF). Automatic draft can only be drafted from a Checking or Savings Account.

Directions for starting a bank draft:

• Print the Bank Draft Application Form.
• Complete the following information:
  • Customer Name (printed)
  • Customer Address
  • Customer Signature
  • Date
  • Name of Financial Institution
  • Address of Financial Institution
  • Checking/Savings Account Number
  • Financial Institution Routing Number
• Water/Sewer Account Number
• Attach a voided check to the completed Bank Draft Form.

Mail the completed Bank Draft Form with the voided check attached to:

Columbia County Water Utility
P.O. Box 960
Grovetown, GA 30813

If you have additional questions concerning bank drafts, please contact our office at 706-863-6928.

There are procedures in place for a one-time adjustment to one high water bill resulting from a leak. Please call our office at 706-863-6928 for details.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above permitted monthly average is surcharged at $0.40 per pound. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.35 per pound. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.90 per pound.

Potable water trucks $100/truck. Non-potable water trucks $100 per truck. Mobile tanks $100 per tank.

First offense: Written Warning. Second Offense: $100 Fine. Third Offense: $200 Fine.

Domestic or irrigation double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25/assembly. Commercial double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25 per assembly. Fire service backflow inspection fee $50 per assembly. Grease trap/interceptor outside $100 per trap per interceptor. Grease trap per interceptor inside $100 per trap per interceptor. Grease trap/interceptor retrofit per repair $25 per trap/interceptor. Re-inspection fee $50 per establishment. Grease traps/interceptors; oil and water separators $50 per establishment.

The annual fee for inspection of Fats, Oil, and Grease pumper trucks is $250 for the first truck and $100 for each additional truck.

An Engineering Specifications book costs $40.

A temporary service is one that is set up for a duration of two weeks or less. Temporary service set-up fee is $30 with a daily fee of $2 and $2.24 cost per kilometer per gal of the water used.

The total cost to set up a same-day water service account is $90; $50 for the set-up fee and $40 for same-day service.

The cost to set up a water service account is $50.

The mailing address for Water Utility is P.O. Box 960, Grovetown Georgia 30813.

Columbia County Water Utility is located at 2140 William Few Parkway, Building A, Grovetown, GA 30813.

The Water Utility typically has a turnaround time of less than 30 days from the date an invoice is submitted to the Accounting Specialist.

The $50 set-up fee is a one-time charge added to an initial bill to pay for the cost of setting up a new service.

There are many things that we can all do on a daily basis to reduce water pollution and otherwise improve stormwater quality. We have a series of pamphlets on various topics that we can mail to you. Some of the most important things people can do are very simple, likewise lawn fertilizing and pest treatment practices. Please visit our Pollution Prevention page for more information on how YOU can be a part of the pollution prevention solution.

No. Only wastewater is collected and transported to the treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm sewer systems, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be much too expensive to size the sanitary sewers and treatment plant to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage. The volume of wastewater generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The better solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

Stormwater runoff is water that flows over our yards, streets, buildings, parking lots, and other surfaces when it rains. It flows into gutters, drainage ditches, storm sewers, and other drains that empty into our streams, ponds, and lakes, which eventually enters the Savannah River. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, but it is no less important. A variety of pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, motor oil, gasoline, and other industrial chemicals, accumulate on roofs, streets, parking lots, lawns, and other surfaces in urbanized areas and are picked up by stormwater runoff. Sometimes, people even dump paint, antifreeze, or crankcase oil from gasoline and diesel engines into storm drains. Failing septic tank drain fields allow wastewater containing pathogens and coliform bacteria to discharge onto the ground and into ditches, where it may be swept into streams during and following rainstorms. Even something as common as animal droppings can cause harmful water pollution if they are picked up in stormwater runoff. These pollutants are eventually carried into our local stream, creeks, and lakes. The best way to stop pollutants from entering our valuable water resources is to prevent them from entering the system.

The county's regular business hours are 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday.

Currently, payments may be made with cash, a check, VISA, Mastercard, or a money order. Payments may also be automatically drafted from your bank account.

Yes. In most cases we can set up or disconnect a service over the phone with a one-day notice. Between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, please contact Water Utility at 706-863-6928.

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.

Please contact the Columbia County GIS and Addressing Department at 706-868-3421 to have an address assigned. You should be able to provide the name of the road your driveway will be off, the tax map and parcel of the property if available, and a copy of the record plat of the property if it was recently platted.

All three of these methods allow for centimeter horizontal and vertical accuracy based upon your receiver type. Single-Base is a service provided at no-cost and is available for real-time corrections during data collection. Trimble VRS Now™ is subscription based and allows for real-time corrections from multiple Trimble Reference stations. CORS is no-cost, and is provided for differential correction after data is collected in the field. CORS correction information originates from the GPS constellation.

A road name does not require the County to maintain a roadway if it is a privately owned road. The road name is assigned to aid in emergency response and postal delivery.

Reflective address numbers can be purchased through a variety organizations, including the Columbia County Fire Rescue headquarters at 3910 Desoto Drive, Martinez, Georgia.

In most cases, yes. All of the resulting parcels must meet minimum lot size and frontage requirements for the applicable zoning district. Additional requirements for access may apply depending on the number of lots to be created. For individual subdivision plats resulting in up to 4 lots, contact Kevin Fort for information at 706-312-7196, For larger subdivisions, contact the Plan Review Department at 706-312-7270.

You can check your zoning using Maps Online. If you need an official zoning verification letter, you must fill out the request form. The listed use of permitted uses in each district can be found online at Municode Website.

Commercial structures require numbers that are at least 4 inches tall to be posted on the structure itself within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the roadway. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

Multi-family residences, like duplexes, are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on the building within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the road if possible. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

Address changes can result from a variety of changes like road renaming, driveway access changes, new development, parcel changes, etc.

The county will notify both the regional and local postmasters as well as the Columbia County Tax Assessor's Office, Water Utility, Fire Rescue, and 911 of an address change. You are responsible for updating accounts with any other service providers or agencies.

If you have a landline, you can contact 911 by calling the non-emergency phone at 706-541-2800 for a test call to verify the address linked to your phone number.

If you have a landline, you can contact 911 by calling the non-emergency phone at 706-541-2800 for a test call to verify the address linked to your phone number.

The driveway location determines the roadway and address number. For corner lots, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)'s standards state that if a house faces a different street than the driveway, the driveway location will be the officially recognized 911 address for emergency response. In urban areas, driveways providing access to structures that do not have their own road frontage, and which are located behind other addressable structures, should be named and addressed as streets, especially if there are 3 or more residences.

Even address numbers appear on the left side of the road while odd address numbers appear on the right side of the road as they increase along the roadway. Address numbers begin at the intersection where the road begins. As for roads that have access or intersections on either end, the address numbers begin at the intersection with the busiest road.

The primary structure on a property will have the same number assigned to it as the real property or land. Every additional structure will be assigned its own unique address. Structures with more than one use or occupancy will have a separate number for each use or occupant. For example, duplexes will have two numbers assigned.

Whenever a road crosses a municipality boundary, we will continue the address numbers as best we can to create a smooth transition.

It is your responsibility to contact Columbia County GIS and Addressing to have an address number assigned before a permit can be issued. You can reach the Addressing department by calling 706-868-3421.

Single family homes are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on a fence, wall, or mailbox post approximately 4 feet tall near the driveway access. The numbers should be clearly seen from both directions along the road.

If a residence is on a private drive that serves more than one building, the address number should be posted on the main road for emergency responders in addition to posting it near the driveway access off of the private drive. If a structure has more than one address assigned for multiple uses or duplexes, numbers should be displayed near the door to each unit as well.

The only address number that should be displayed is the one that has been officially assigned by the Columbia County GIS and Addressing Department. If you have any questions about your official address, please contact Addressing Department at 706-868-3421.

A road that serves three or more structures or properties will be named regardless of public or private ownership.

We avoid any same or similar sounding road-names when assigning road names to reduce confusion in emergency situations. We like to work with the affected property owners when a private road name is assigned.

They have changed, be sure to contact the GIS and Addressing Department for the most up to date version.he Columbia County Code is available online at Municode website. The most recent changes to the code may not be reflected in the online version. If you suspect the regulations

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 Effective July 1, 2023

Residential/Commercial Tap-In Fees (PDF)

2023 Water and Sewer Rates

Effective July 1, 2023

Residential Water Rates

Residential Sewer Rates

Levelized Winter Billing

Commercial Water Rates

Commercial Sewer Rates

Biochemical Oxygen Demand $50, Ammonia $60, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) $60, Volatile Suspended Solids $60, Total Coliform Bacteria (TCB) $55, Fecal Coliform Bacteria $70, pH/Mineral $20

There is a $775 deposit, A monthly rental fee of $130, and a fee of $2.24 per k/gal water used.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determined that the entire state would be required to adopt year-round water conservation measures. In 2004, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted an Outdoor Water Use Ordinance that specifies when water may be used outdoors during various drought and non-drought conditions to comply with the DNR rules. This ordinance was revised in 2010.

According to the County's Outdoor Water Use Ordinance (PDF), during the current Level 1 drought conditions, residents may water between the hours of 4 pm and 10 am. NO WATERING between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.

You can call the Water Treatment Plant at 706-860-2587. The Water Utility has personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may call Water Utility's Accounts Payable Office at 706-868-3475.

The invoice should be submitted to P.O. Box 960 Grovetown, GA 30813.

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record sanitary sewer flow for a cost of $350. To order a sanitary sewer flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record flow on a 24-hour chart for a cost of $325. To order a flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

The Water Specification book is available at Columbia County Water Utility, 2140 William Few Parkway, Grovetown, GA 30813 and costs $40.

The Columbia County Water Utility is constantly expanding. To determine how future plans might be affecting your area, contact our Engineering Department at 706-651-0433.

The current fee for a septic tank truck to dump is $100 per truckload up to 3,000 gallons. Each additional thousand gallons costs an additional $40.

If the establishment is uncertain whether it has a grease interceptor, then the owner should look outside the building for one or two manholes labeled Grease with a cleanout close by. This should be located close to the building. A grease trap or grease interceptor will be required to receive the drainage from fixtures and equipment with grease-laden waste located in food preparation areas (e.g., such as in restaurants, hotel kitchens, hospitals, school kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias, or restaurants, and clubs).

Grease Interceptors should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, sludge, and wash down material from the interior walls). Grease Traps should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, and solids from walls, screens, baffles and air-relief chambers). Can you recommend a maintenance schedule? All grease interceptors should be cleaned at least every 3 months, but some establishments may find it necessary to clean their traps more often. If the establishment has to clean its trap too often, the owner should consider installing a larger trap or interceptor.

An interceptor is a vault with a minimum capacity of 1000 gallons that is located on the exterior of the building. The vault includes a minimum of two compartments, and flow between each compartment is through a 90° fitting designed for grease retention. The capacity of the interceptor provides adequate residence time so that the wastewater has time to cool, allowing any remaining grease not collected by the traps time to congeal and rise to the surface where it accumulates until the interceptor is cleaned.

A trap is a small reservoir built into the wastewater piping a short distance from the grease producing area. Baffles in the reservoir retain the wastewater long enough for the grease to congeal and rise to the surface. The grease can then be removed and disposed of properly.

In the sewage collection and treatment business, the answer is an absolute YES! Grease is singled out for special attention because of its poor solubility in water and its tendency to separate from the liquid solution. Large amounts of oil and grease in the wastewater cause trouble in the collection system pipes. It decreases pipe capacity and, therefore, requires that piping systems be cleaned more often and/or some piping to be replaced sooner than otherwise expected. Oil and grease also hamper effective treatment at the wastewater treatment plant. Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful. But, as the liquid cools, the grease or fat congeals and causes mats on the surface of settling tanks, digesters, and the interior of pipes and other surfaces which may cause a shutdown of wastewater treatment units. Problems caused by wastes from restaurants and other grease-producing establishments have served as the basis for ordinances and regulations governing the discharge of grease materials to the sanitary sewer system. This type of waste has forced the requirement of the installation of preliminary treatment facilities, commonly known as grease traps or interceptors.

Chlorine (Hypochlorite) for disinfection, Sodium hydroxide (Caustic) for pH adjustment, Aluminum sulfate (Alum) as a coagulant aid, Fluoride for healthy teeth, Phosphate for corrosion control, Potassium permanganate for iron and manganese control, and Lime as a coagulant aid and for pH adjustment.

Columbia County's water is very soft. The hardness is less than 25 mg/L of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Water is usually considered hard if the calcium carbonate levels are greater than 60 mg/L.

Chlorine is added as a disinfecting agent to kill disease-causing microorganisms that can be present in raw water sources. Columbia County maintains a 0.2-2.0 mg/L chlorine residual in its finished water.

When your drinking water has a smell of chlorine or Clorox, it is usually because the chlorine level is too low. Some people can smell the chlorine in their water if the level goes below a 0.3 mg/L. Please call the Water Utility if you smell chlorine in your water.

The waters from the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Reservoir have concentrations of manganese and iron salts. Trace amounts of these minerals pass through the filter systems at our treatment facilities. When the water pressures in the pipes go up or down, the mineral deposits are pulled off the walls of the pipes, causing the water to have a brown or rusty orange color. A mineral deposit the size of a dime can cause a whole house's water supply to be discolored. This does not cause health problems. If your water is discolored you can call the Water Office at 706-863-6928, and the water mains in your area will be flushed.

The chemical and microbiological quality of the water is constantly being monitored. Water plant operators analyze the water over 400 times a day. Central Laboratory personnel run at least 100 bacteriological tests, 100 chlorine tests, and over 25 additional quality control tests per month. In general, the drinking water is tested over 100,000 times a year.

Columbia County's drinking water is withdrawn from either the Savannah River or the Thurmond Lake Reservoir at Clarks Hill. Up to 46 million gallons per day is withdrawn from the Savannah River and is treated at the Jim Blanchard Water Treatment Facility on Point Comfort Road. The Clarks Hill Water Treatment Plant is capable of treating a daily maximum of 8 MGD.

The normal range for fluoride in Columbia County's drinking water is 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L. Fluoride is added to our drinking water to promote healthy teeth. Trace amounts of fluoride are naturally present in most water sources. The range is 0.0 to 0.2 mg/L in the CSRA.

Yes! Laboratory personnel collect over 200 bacteria and other quality control samples a month throughout the water system to make sure Columbia County's water is safe for human consumption. The water treatment operators and the laboratory analysts work as a team to insure that the drinking water meets or exceeds all EPA and Georgia EPD water quality standards.

When you see these markings, it means that someone has requested the locating of utilities in anticipation of performing work in the area. Lines may be painted on the road or in a yard to designate the different utilities that are buried. Each utility's lines are marked with a different color. The colors are: blue for water; green for sewer; orange for phone or cable; red for power; and yellow for gas. The locating of utilities can be requested by contacting the Utilities Protection Center at 800-282-7411.

The County's right-of-way is typically the first 10 feet beyond the curb. This area is reserved by the County for the placement of public utilities such as water lines. Repairs and upgrades are necessary from time to time, and this area has to be excavated.

During water line construction, the water may become discolored. This happens when deposits in a water line become dislodged when flows are increased or there is a change of direction.

A milky appearance is typically due to excess air in the water. This does not affect the quality of the water.

To reduce water pressure coming into a house, a customer can purchase and install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the water line between the meter and the house. Because the PRV is installed between the meter and the house, its maintenance and repair are the customer's responsibility.

Federal regulations require a minimum water pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) in our water lines at all times. Columbia County typically maintains pressures of 50-90 psi throughout the system, so water pressure does vary considerably in different areas of the County. Low water pressure may be caused by a leak or a restriction in the line. If you believe you are having a problem, contact our office at 706-863-6928.

Water and sewer rates are established by resolution of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

The three lowest water usages from the months of December, January, February, and March are averaged together. Your sewer charge for the next 12 months is that average times the applicable sewer rate. Customers with no history are charged a flat rate of $29.39/month as established by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

If same day service was requested when the account was set up, a $40 fee is added to the initial bill and shows up as a previous balance.

Before the bill's due date, you may call our office at 706-863-6928 to work out an alternate payment arrangement in extenuating circumstances.

Payments are collected from the drop box Monday through Friday and are credited to the account the same day they are collected.

A drop box is available in the drive-through lane at 2140 William Few Parkway, Building A, Grovetown, GA 30813. We also have a drop box located at 4325 Evans-to-Locks Road, Evans, GA 30809 by the flagpole.

Cycle 1 payments are due by the 15th of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 15th of the month for cycle 1 bills. Cycle 2 bills are due by the 1st of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 1st of the month.

All Cycle 1 water and sewerage bills are mailed on the last working day of each month. Cycle 2 water and sewerage bills are mailed no later than the 15th of each month.

Visit our online portal to pay your Water Bill Online.

Yes. You will need to complete the Bank Draft Application Form (PDF). Automatic draft can only be drafted from a Checking or Savings Account.

Directions for starting a bank draft:

1. Print the Bank Draft Application Form (PDF).
2. Complete the following information:
a. Customer Name (printed)
b. Customer Address
c. Customer Signature
d. Date
e. Name of Financial Institution
f. Address of Financial Institution
g. Checking/Savings Account Number
h. Financial Institution Routing Number
i. Water/Sewer Account Number
3. Attach a voided check to the completed Bank Draft Form.
4. Mail the completed Bank Draft Form with the voided check attached to:

Columbia County Water Utility
P.O. Box 960
Grovetown, GA 30813

If you have additional questions concerning bank drafts, please contact our office at 706-863-6928.

There are procedures in place for a one-time adjustment to one high water bill resulting from a leak. Please call our office at 706-863-6928 for details.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above permitted monthly average is surcharged at $0.40/lb. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.35/lb. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.90/lb.

Potable water trucks $100/truck. Non-potable water trucks $100/truck. Mobile tanks $100/tank.

• First offense: Written Warning.
• Second Offense: $100 Fine.
• Third Offense: $200 Fine.

Domestic or irrigation double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25/assembly. Commercial double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25/assembly. Fire service backflow inspection fee $50/assembly. Grease trap/interceptor outside $100 per trap/interceptor. Grease trap/interceptor inside $100 per trap/interceptor. Grease trap/interceptor retrofit/repair $25 per trap/interceptor. Re-inspection fee $50/establishment. Grease traps/interceptors; oil and water separators $50/establishment.

The annual fee for inspection of Fats, Oil, and Grease pumper trucks is $250 for the first truck and $100 for each additional truck.

An Engineering Specifications book costs $40.

A temporary service is one that is set up for a duration of two weeks or less. Temporary service set-up fee is $30 with a daily fee of $2 and $2.24 cost per k/gal of the water used.

The total cost to set up a same-day water service account is $90; $50 for the set-up fee and $40 for same-day service.

The cost to set up a water service account is $50.

The mailing address for Water Utility is 

P.O. Box 960
Grovetown Georgia 30813.

Columbia County Water Utility is located at 

2140 William Few Parkway
Building A
Grovetown, GA 30813.

The Water Utility typically has a turnaround time of less than 30 days from the date an invoice is submitted to the Accounting Specialist.

The $50 set-up fee is a one-time charge added to an initial bill to pay for the cost of setting up a new service.

There are many things that we can all do on a daily basis to reduce water pollution and otherwise improve stormwater quality. We have a series of pamphlets on various topics that we can mail to you. Some of the most important things people can do are very simple, likewise lawn fertilizing and pest treatment practices. Please visit our Pollution Prevention page for more information on how YOU can be a part of the pollution prevention solution.

No. Only wastewater is collected and transported to the treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm sewer systems, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be much too expensive to size the sanitary sewers and treatment plant to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage. The volume of wastewater generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The better solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

Stormwater runoff is water that flows over our yards, streets, buildings, parking lots, and other surfaces when it rains. It flows into gutters, drainage ditches, storm sewers, and other drains that empty into our streams, ponds, and lakes, which eventually enters the Savannah River. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, but it is no less important. A variety of pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, motor oil, gasoline, and other industrial chemicals, accumulate on roofs, streets, parking lots, lawns, and other surfaces in urbanized areas and are picked up by stormwater runoff. Sometimes, people even dump paint, antifreeze, or crankcase oil from gasoline and diesel engines into storm drains. Failing septic tank drain fields allow wastewater containing pathogens and coliform bacteria to discharge onto the ground and into ditches, where it may be swept into streams during and following rainstorms. Even something as common as animal droppings can cause harmful water pollution if they are picked up in stormwater runoff. These pollutants are eventually carried into our local stream, creeks, and lakes. The best way to stop pollutants from entering our valuable water resources is to prevent them from entering the system.

The county's regular business hours are

Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

Currently, payments may be made with cash, a check, VISA, Mastercard, or a money order. Payments may also be automatically drafted from your bank account.

Yes. In most cases we can set up or disconnect a service over the phone with a one-day notice. Between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, please contact Water Utility at 706-863-6928.

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.

The County Attorney is Chris Driver with Hull Barrett, PC.

Please visit our Interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

You can find information about Columbia County's demographics under the United States Census Bureau.

The county's regular business hours are:

Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Please visit Voting and Results to use our interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district, commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

The County Attorney is Chris Driver with Hull Barrett PC.

Please visit our Interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district, commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

You can find information about Columbia County's demographics under the United States Census Bureau.

The county's regular business hours are

Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

The Department of Family & Children Services provides the following services to the citizens of Columbia County: Adoption Services, Adult Protective Services, Child Abuse & Neglect, Emergency Food Assistance, Energy Assistance, Food Stamps, Foster Care, Medicaid, Refugee Resettlement, Secret Santa Program, Subsidized Child Care, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Columbia County Department of Family & Children Services is located at 6358 Columbia Road, Appling Georgia. For inquiries on Food Stamps, Medicaid, Childcare and Temporary Assistance for Needy Family, please call 1-877-423-4746. To report Child Abuse/Neglect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please call 1-855-422-4453.

You can find information about Columbia County's demographics under the United States Census Bureau.

A burn permit should be obtained through the Georgia Forestry Commission. Burn Permits can be obtained at 877-652-2876 / 1-877-OK2-BURN

For more information about needing a permit, please visit the Development Services webpage.

Please visit Voting and Results to use our interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district, commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

Please visit our Interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district, commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

Please visit our Interactive Find Your Representative Map to find your district, commissioner, Board of Education representative, State House and Senate, U.S. House and Senate, and Voter Precinct.

A "threshold" level of service is needed countywide, but a higher level of service is needed in the urban and suburban areas. At this time, the utility's service area encompasses only those unincorporated urban and suburban areas where the immediate needs are greatest. The County will continue to pay for the threshold level of service from general tax revenues.

This map (PDF) shows the "Service Area" that has been defined as the utility service area. Generally, it encompasses Martinez and Evans within the Reed Creek, Jones Creek, Betty's Branch, and Euchee Creek watersheds. This area has been most severely impacted by recent urban and suburban development.

Stormwater has three different billings per year, depending on the amount of the bill.

Important information concerning your Semi-Annually Stormwater bill. Semi-Annually Stormwater bills are for the months of January to June and July to December.

Important information concerning your Annual Stormwater bills. Annual Stormwater bills are for the months of October to September.

If you have any questions regarding your Stormwater bill, please contact our office at 706-447-7645 or by email at Customer Service.

Columbia County E&S Inspection team:

Manager - Mike Anderson

Inspectors

• Steve Abbott
• Dennis Anderson
• Tracey Shoemaker
• Clayton Whittle
• Drew Widmann
• Daniel Richardson
• Fred Ingram

For more information, email us or 706-447-7645(SOIL)

The County's right-of-way is typically the first 10 feet beyond the curb. This area is reserved by the County for the placement of public utilities such as water lines. Repairs and upgrades are necessary from time to time, and this area has to be excavated.

A modern roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. There are no traffic signals or stop signs in a modern roundabout. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout and then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street.

The waters from the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Reservoir have concentrations of manganese and iron salts. Trace amounts of these minerals pass through the filter systems at our treatment facilities. When the water pressures in the pipes go up or down, the mineral deposits are pulled off the walls of the pipes, causing the water to have a brown or rusty orange color. A mineral deposit the size of a dime can cause water supply to be discolored for an entire house. This does not cause health problems. If your water is discolored you can call the Water Office at 706-863-6928, and the water mains in your area will be flushed.

Any questions concerning paving of dirt roads or resurfacing of existing paved roads need to be directed to the Road Construction Department 706-447-7600.

To improve Stormwater Quality, you can start by preventing pollution. Do things like recycle, throw away trash in proper trash cans, and don’t dump anything down a storm drain. Remember, only rain down the drain!

 In Columbia County, only wastewater is collected and transported to the water treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater, on the other hand, flows through the storm system, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes.

Stormwater pollution prevention is stopping pollution from entering the stormwater system and eventually ending up in our local waterways. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation but still exists. 

Please contact the Traffic Engineering department at 706-868-4223.

The 85th percentile speed is defined as the speed at which eighty-five percent of drivers are traveling at or below, while fifteen percent of drivers are exceeding that speed.

A speed "bump" is a shorter speed control device that is primarily used in parking lots, they are approximately 12-15 inches wide. A speed "hump" is used as a traffic control device on streets and roads. They are approximately 20 feet or wider.

Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223. Please click to view the Speed Hump Program Policy Manual (PDF).

You can call the Traffic Engineering Department at 706-868-4223 for this information or you may visit the Georgia Department of Transportation website.

To request sidewalks, please call the Columbia County Road Construction Department at 706-447-7600.

Columbia County no longer installs "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" signs. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) no longer recognizes "Children at Play" signs. There is no evidence to prove that this sign helps reduce pedestrian accidents or lower speeds and in some instances studies have shown that speeds have increased in areas where these signs are present. Currently, when a "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" sign is present in a work area, it will be removed.

According to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a stop sign shall not be used to control speed.

You can report the problem to Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223 or email us.

This is a common myth, research conducted throughout the country over several decades has shown that drivers are influenced by the type of street and the current traffic conditions and not the posted speed limit.

The placement of speed limit signs are based on several factors. One of the main factors is the functional classification of the roadway. If it is a local road (typical subdivision street), speed limit signs are normally placed only on the local roads that serve as entrances/exits to subdivisions. Usually, none of the interior subdivision streets have speed limit signs placed.

The stop bar is supposed to be placed at the critical point. It should be placed where one will be out of the flow of oncoming traffic and where the stopping vehicle can see oncoming traffic. According to code requirements, the stop sign can be anywhere from six feet to fifty feet from the edge of the intersecting street.

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.

The county's Tax ID number is 58-6000807.

Columbia County's fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30.

The county's independent auditor is Cherry Bekaert LLP. The complete auditor's opinion letter is included in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The millage rate is established annually by the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners and is applied to the assessed values of properties as of January 1 of that year. The millage rate for fire services applies to special districts within the unincorporated areas only. The Board of Education accounts for approximately 67% of the total millage rate in the incorporated areas and 62% of the total millage rate in the unincorporated areas.

The current millage rate is 25.6967 in the unincorporated areas, 27.937 in the incorporated areas and is broken down as follows:

• County Tax 6.189
• County Bond 1.207
• Fire 2.241
• School Tax 18.30
• School Bond 0.0

The adopted General Fund budget's fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. To view a copy of the most recent budget report along with past reports, please visit Report Central.

Columbia County continues to maintain strong bond ratings with the major credit rating services. In December 2016, the Government prepared comprehensive presentations for Fitch IBCA, Standard and Poor's, and Moody's Investors Service rating agencies in an effort to upgrade the current uninsured bond ratings applied to the Government in anticipation of issuing approximately $60 million in general obligation property tax bonds. The Government received the following ratings for its general obligation debt:

The Government currently has the following ratings for the water and sewerage debt:

These high ratings are a primary factor in keeping interest costs low on the Government's outstanding debt. The County will continue to follow prudent fiscal policies and practices in order to maintain its strong credit rating.

This reserve shall be appropriated annually as part of the budget by fund and shall be used for paying unexpected or unanticipated expenditures of an operational nature during the fiscal year. This reserve should approximate one to two % of the fund budget.

The incorporated areas of the county are made up of the two cities, Grovetown and Harlem. Each city is governed by a Mayor and a City Council elected by their citizens. The remainder of the county is unincorporated and is governed by the Board of Commissioners consisting of a county-wide elected Chairman and four Commissioners elected from each of the four districts of the County. Grovetown and Harlem are located within district 4.

• Chairman, Ron C. Cross, County-wide
• Commissioner, Doug Duncan, District 1
• Commissioner, Trey Allen, District 2
• Commissioner, Gary Richardson, District 3
• Commissioner, Bill Morris, District 4

An operating reserve shall be established in the General Fund and each Enterprise Fund to provide for operating contingencies in either revenues or expenditures, and to provide adequate funds to operate without short-term borrowing. This reserve, which should provide funds for 75 to 100 days of operations, may be used as required by authority of the Board. To determine the current funding level, divide the current operating reserve by the result obtained from dividing the annual fund budget by 365 days.

A burn permit should be obtained through the Georgia Forestry Commission. Burn Permits can be obtained at 877-652-2876 / 1-877-OK2-BURN

Please contact the Columbia County GIS Department at 706-868-3421 to have an address assigned. You should be able to provide the name of the road your driveway will be off, the tax map and parcel of the property if available, and a copy of the record plat of the property if it was recently platted.

All three of these methods allow for centimeter horizontal and vertical accuracy based upon your receiver type. Single-Base is a service provided at no-cost and is available for real-time corrections during data collection. Trimble VRS Now™ is subscription based and allows for real-time corrections from multiple Trimble Reference stations. CORS is no-cost, and is provided for differential correction after data is collected in the field. CORS correction information originates from the GPS constellation.

A road name does not require the County to maintain a roadway if it is a privately owned road. The road name is assigned to aid in emergency response and postal delivery.

Reflective address numbers can be purchased through a variety organizations, including the

Columbia County Fire Rescue headquarters
3910 Desoto Drive
Martinez, Georgia 30907

Commercial structures require numbers that are at least 4 inches tall to be posted on the structure itself within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the roadway. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

Multi-family residences, like duplexes, are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on the building within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the road if possible. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

Address changes can result from a variety of changes like road renaming, driveway access changes, new development, parcel changes, etc.

The county will notify both the regional and local postmasters as well as the Columbia County Tax Assessor’s Office, Water Utility, Fire Rescue, and 911 of an address change. You are responsible for updating accounts with any other service providers or agencies.

If you have a landline, you can contact 911 by calling the non-emergency phone at 706-541-2800 for a test call to verify the address linked to your phone number.

The driveway location determines the roadway and address number. For corner lots, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)'s standards state that if a house faces a different street than the driveway, the driveway location will be the officially recognized 911 address for emergency response. In urban areas, driveways providing access to structures that do not have their own road frontage, and which are located behind other addressable structures, should be named and addressed as streets, especially if there are 3 or more residences.

Even address numbers appear on the left side of the road while odd address numbers appear on the right side of the road as they increase along the roadway. Address numbers begin at the intersection where the road begins. As for roads that have access or intersections on either end, the address numbers begin at the intersection with the busiest road.

The primary structure on a property will have the same number assigned to it as the real property or land. Every additional structure will be assigned its own unique address. Structures with more than one use or occupancy will have a separate number for each use or occupant. For example, duplexes will have two numbers assigned.

Whenever a road crosses a municipality boundary, we will continue the address numbers as best we can to create a smooth transition.

It is your responsibility to contact Columbia County GIS and Addressing to have an address number assigned before a permit can be issued. You can reach the Addressing department by calling 706-868-3421.

Single family homes are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on a fence, wall, or mailbox post approximately 4 feet tall near the driveway access. The numbers should be clearly seen from both directions along the road.

If a residence is on a private drive that serves more than one building, the address number should be posted on the main road for emergency responders in addition to posting it near the driveway access off of the private drive. If a structure has more than one address assigned for multiple uses or duplexes, numbers should be displayed near the door to each unit as well.

The only address number that should be displayed is the one that has been officially assigned by the Columbia County GIS and Addressing Department. If you have any questions about your official address, please contact Addressing Department at 706-868-3421.

A road that serves three or more structures or properties will be named regardless of public or private ownership.

We avoid any same or similar sounding road-names when assigning road names to reduce confusion in emergency situations. We like to work with the affected property owners when a private road name is assigned.

They have changed, be sure to contact the GIS and Addressing Department for the most up-to-date version. The Columbia County Code is available online at the Municode Website. The most recent changes to the code may not be reflected in the online version. If you suspect the regulations

Make selections on the map of the content you wish to be in the CSV file. In the Search Results panel click the More button at the top of the panel and select Export to CSV (Comma Separated). The file will then be exported to the downloads folder of your web browser.

Select the parcels you would like to make mailing labels for, then click the More button at the top of the Search Results panel. Select Create Mailing Labels. If you do not see the option to Create Mailing Labels check to make sure you have selected the parcels and not the address points.

Click Web Maps at the top of the map. Then click Street View to highlight it. If you already have a selection made on the map Google Street View will open in another window or tab. If you have not made a selection, click on the map where you wish to see Street View to open Google Street View.

This feature is not available in the new Maps Online.

To turn off the hover map tips first navigate to the Menu panel by clicking the three stacked lines in the upper left corner. Once the panel opens there will be an option near the bottom called Hide hover map tips. Click this to turn off hover map tips.

To turn specific map layers on and off in Maps Online click Menu in the upper left corner (It is the 3 lines stacked on top of each other). Once the panel opens click Map Layers. This will bring up the Map Layers panel. Clicking the arrow next to the names will drop down all the layers under each category. Click the boxes to hide or show layers. If you are unable to click a box this means that the layer you are trying to view is invisible at the current scale you have the map. You will need to zoom in or out depending on which layer you are trying to view.

Navigate to the Menu panel by clicking the three stacked lines in the upper left corner. Once this panel opens click Map Layer to open the Map Layers panel. Navigate to the layer you wish to increase or decrease the opacity of and click the three dots next to the layer. This will open the drop down to allow you to increase or decrease opacity.

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners established the Greenspace Advisory Board in 2001 to serve as a citizen advisory panel advising and promoting the adoption of policies which will have the effect of preserving at least 20 per cent of the land area of Columbia County as greenspace. It is comprised of seven citizens appointed by the Commissioners. As one of its functions, the board identifies and recommends parcels for greenspace acquisition by the County. These recommendations go to the Board of Commissioners, which makes the final determination for land purchases or policy initiatives (regulatory changes, for example).

Yes. The ARTS Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is being referenced and considered throughout the trail planning process in appropriate areas of the county. More information on the ARTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan can be found at the ARTS / Aiken County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan website. Overall, the ARTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan assists in the planning and programming of transportation projects to create an integrated bike and walk-friendly network in the region. It is a comprehensive plan that incorporates areas within Columbia County in addition to the metropolitan areas of Augusta-Richmond and Aiken Counties.

It is not necessary that all land considered to be greenspace have public access. Land in its natural state may have community value by protecting water quality, historic or archaeological resources, or wildlife habitat, even if it is not available for public use. In certain sections of the Euchee Creek Greenway Trail, Columbia County may seek easements for purposes of establishing the public trail, which will be narrow, specific route easements or outright purchases which the County will negotiate.

The benefits of a conservation easement include:

• The property remains in private ownership, allowing current owners to live on the land, manage it, leave it to their heirs, or sell it to someone else. Depending upon current tax code, a conservation easement can be utilized to lower the amount of estate taxes due from heirs.
• The property owner is eligible for federal and state income tax reductions if the easement is permanent, meets conservation purposes, and is donated to a qualifying organization. Although there is no acreage requirement for a conservation easement, the IRS determines whether or not lands qualify as a charitable gift, thereby providing federal tax incentives to the property owner. The lands must be certified by the Georgia Department of Natural resources in order for the property owner to receive a state income tax credit. Please visit the Georgia Land Conservation Program's for the most current tax credit information.
• Property taxes are often lowered. A property owner can ask the county tax assessor's office to re-asses the value of the land once a conservation easement is completed.

The purpose of conservation easements include protecting natural, scenic, and open-space property; assuring availability of land for agricultural, forest, recreational, and open-space use; maintaining or enhancing air/water quality; and preserving historical, architectural, archeological, or cultural aspects of the property.

A conservation easement is characterized as a flexible means of permanently protecting land. It is a voluntary, binding legal agreement between a property owner and an easement holder. Lands can be bought and sold while in conservation easement, and the restrictions agreed upon are transferred along with ownership as well. The restrictions specified in a conservation easement are variable and can be negotiated between a property owner and the easement holder. Generally speaking, restrictions include, but are not limited to, future development of any kind, subdivision, mining, utilities, significant landscape changes, etc. The easement holder is considered responsible for ensuring the property owner is complying to all agreed upon restrictions. The Georgia Land Conservation Center serves to assist land owners in selecting the right organization to partner with for a conservation easement.

Greenways have the same natural qualities and characteristics as does greenspace. Greenways, however, have a linear character and typically serve as corridors along stream banks, rivers and other waterways.

The statue adopted during the 2000 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly defines greenspace as "permanently protected land and water, including agricultural and forestry land, that is in its undeveloped, natural state or that has been developed only to the extent consistent with, or is restored to be consistent with, one or more listed goals for natural resource protection or informal recreation"

The rules and regulations of the Georgia Greenspace Program denote nine specific goals for greenspace:

1. Scenic protection
2. Provision of passive recreation in the form of boating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, running/jogging, biking, walking, skating, birding, riding horses, observing/photographing nature, picnicking, playing non-organized sports, or engaging in free play
3. Water quality protection for rivers, streams, and lakes
4. Flood protection
5. Wetland protection
6. Protection of areas with steep slopes, erodible soils, and stream banks thereby reducing erosion
7. Protection of riparian buffers (i.e., marshes) and other natural habitats and corridors
8. Archaeological and historic resources protection on land that is primarily undeveloped or in its natural state
9. Connection of existing or planned areas contributing to the outlined goals

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners established the Greenspace Advisory Board in 2001 to serve as a citizen advisory panel advising and promoting the adoption of policies which will have the effect of preserving at least 20 per cent of the land area of Columbia County as greenspace. It is comprised of seven citizens appointed by the Commissioners. As one of its functions, the board identifies and recommends parcels for greenspace acquisition by the County. These recommendations go to the Board of Commissioners, which makes the final determination for land purchases or policy initiatives (regulatory changes, for example).

Yes. The ARTS Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is being referenced and considered throughout the trail planning process in appropriate areas of the county. More information on the ARTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan can be found here. Overall, the ARTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan assists in the planning and programming of transportation projects to create an integrated bike and walk-friendly network in the region. It is a comprehensive plan that incorporates areas within Columbia County in addition to the metropolitan areas of Augusta-Richmond and Aiken Counties.

It is not necessary that all land considered to be greenspace have public access. Land in its natural state may have community value by protecting water quality, historic or archaeological resources, or wildlife habitat, even if it is not available for public use. In certain sections of the Euchee Creek Greenway Trail, Columbia County may seek easements for purposes of establishing the public trail, which will be narrow, specific route easements or outright purchases which the County will negotiate.

The benefits of a conservation easement include:

• The property remains in private ownership, allowing current owners to live on the land, manage it, leave it to their heirs, or sell it to someone else. Depending upon current tax code, a conservation easement can be utilized to lower the amount of estate taxes due from heirs.
• The property owner is eligible for federal and state income tax reductions if the easement is permanent, meets conservation purposes, and is donated to a qualifying organization. Although there is no acreage requirement for a conservation easement, the IRS determines whether or not lands qualify as a charitable gift, thereby providing federal tax incentives to the property owner. The lands must be certified by the Georgia Department of Natural resources in order for the property owner to receive a state income tax credit. Please visit the Georgia Land Conservation Program's for the most current tax credit information.
• Property taxes are often lowered. A property owner can ask the county tax assessor's office to re-asses the value of the land once a conservation easement is completed.

The most notable loss a property owner will endure is the lost potential for development. During the process of entering into a conservation easement, there will most likely be a variety of fees, including, but not limited to, accountant, appraisal, attorney, and surveyor fees. Also, easement holders have the right to request a stewardship fee be paid to them by the property owner to assist in monitoring the land and ensuring the restrictions placed by the easement are being followed.

Greenways have the same natural qualities and characteristics as does greenspace. Greenways, however, have a linear character and typically serve as corridors along stream banks, rivers and other waterways.

The statue adopted during the 2000 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly defines greenspace as "permanently protected land and water, including agricultural and forestry land, that is in its undeveloped, natural state or that has been developed only to the extent consistent with, or is restored to be consistent with, one or more listed goals for natural resource protection or informal recreation"

The rules and regulations of the Georgia Greenspace Program denote nine specific goals for greenspace:

1. Scenic protection
2. Provision of passive recreation in the form of boating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, running/jogging, biking, walking, skating, birding, riding horses, observing/photographing nature, picnicking, playing non-organized sports, or engaging in free play
3. Water quality protection for rivers, streams, and lakes
4. Flood protection
5. Wetland protection
6. Protection of areas with steep slopes, erodible soils, and stream banks thereby reducing erosion
7. Protection of riparian buffers (example: marshes) and other natural habitats and corridors
8. Archaeological and historic resources protection on land that is primarily undeveloped or in its natural state
9. Connection of existing or planned areas contributing to the outlined goals

The Columbia County Code is available online at Municode Website. The most recent changes to the code may not be reflected in the online version. If you suspect the regulations have changed, be sure to contact the Planning Department for the most up to date version.

You can check your zoning using Maps Online, available on the county website. If you need an official zoning verification letter, you must fill out the request form in the Planning Department and staff will be happy to assist you. The list of permitted uses in each district can be found online at Municode Website.

Double wide mobile homes are permitted in the R-A (Residential Agricultural) district, in mobile home parks, and in the R-4 (Residential Recreation) district. Single wide mobile homes are permitted in R-A districts and conditionally permitted in R-4 districts provided the lot is at least 5 acres.

A minimum of 6 weeks from the date of application to the final approval/disapproval by the Board of Commissioners. Please click to view the application deadline and meeting schedule  (PDF)for year 2018.

In most cases, yes. All of the resulting parcels must meet minimum lot size and frontage requirements for the applicable zoning district. Additional requirements for access may apply depending on the number of lots to be created. For individual subdivision plats resulting in up to 4 lots, contact Kevin Fort for information at 706-312-7196, For larger subdivisions, contact the Plan Review Department at 706-312-7270.

Yes, Columbia County allows non-commercial agricultural uses in all residential districts. However, your neighborhood may have covenants that prohibit or limit the number of chickens you can keep. In addition, if keeping chickens or roosters on your property leads to complaints from neighbors, Code Enforcement can require you to remove offending animals, clean up waste, etc.

Setbacks are determined by your zoning district and the classification of the road your lot fronts on. In general, the setbacks for single family residential homes are as follows: R-A (Front 75'-125', Side 10', Rear 25') R-1 (Front 65'-115', Side 10', Rear 25'), R-2 (Front 55'-110', Side 10', Rear 10'), R-3 (Front 50'-105', Side 10' Rear 10'), R-4 (Front 55'-110', Side 10', Rear 10'). Planned districts such as PUD, PDD, and S-1 may have different setbacks. Please contact the Planning Department at 706-868-3400 to determine the road classification for your property to determine the front setback.

You can check your zoning using Maps Online. If you need an official zoning verification letter, you must fill out the request form. The listed use of permitted uses in each district can be found online at Municode Website

Permitted uses depend on a parcel's zoning. The full permitted use table is available at Municode Website

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Any objections to the specifications/requirements as set forth should be filed in writing prior to the proposal deadline. Please contact the Procurement Department with your concerns at 706-868-3305.

You may obtain information any of the following ways.

1. Click on BID/RFP/RFQ Opportunities  
2. Contact the Procurement Department at 706-868-3305 
3. Email your questions to ProcureHelp

By emailing ProcureHelp or the contact person listed in the Bid / RFP documents.

You can look in the Columbia County News Times or visit for the BID/RFP/RFQ Opportunities link.

You can do any of the following:

1. Register at Vendor Self Service page and click on "New Vendor Registration" and follow the prompts.
2. Visit us in the Procurement department at 500 Faircloth Drive, Building E, at the Government Center.
3. Email a request to ProcureHelp.

Columbia County offers the availability to access a tool that administrates all Bids and RFPs by choosing the following link: BidSync. There is no charge for this service.

Dirt roads are scraped approximately every other week, weather permitting.

Please contact Animal Services at 706-541-4077.

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.

The county's Roads and Bridges department is responsible for the mowing of right-of-way on county maintained roadways.

If the street light is out, contact Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. If the light is obstructed by a tree limb contact Roads and Bridges at 706-541-1143.

For new traffic signs, contact Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223. To replace an existing sign, contact Roads and Bridges at 706-541-1143.

For the answer to this question, please contact the county's Stormwater department at 706-855-7246

A Driveway Repair / Replacement Policy was adopted on September 2, 2014 by the Board of Commissioners stating the County does not direct owners in determining the construction standards or material needed for a driveway. It is up to the landowner to purchase material and install a driveway and to maintain the driveway after installation. The only time the County will replace or repair a driveway is when work is required to repair utilities within the County's right-of-way.

• Driveway Policy (PDF)
• Driveway Permit (PDF)

The County does not maintain any privately-owned roads (or driveways) or the following state-maintained roads:

• Appling Harlem Road (Highway 47/221)
• Belair Road (Highway 383 - from Washington Road to Wrightsboro Road)
• Bobby Jones (Highway 520)
• Cobbham Road (Highway 150)
• Columbia Road (Highway 232)
• Fury's Ferry Road (Highway 28)
• Gordon Highway (Highway 78)
• Interstate 20
• Lewiston Road (Highway 388 - from Columbia to Wrightsboro Road)
• Scott's Ferry Road (Highway 221)
• Washington Road (Highway 104)
• Wrightsboro Road (Highway 223 - from Grovetown to Thomson)

Stop immediately and call the Sheriff's Office 706-541-2800 and have an incident report written up. The time of the incident, the address at which it occurred and the County truck number involved needs to be given to the officer. After all paperwork has been completed, contact the Risk Management office 706-868-3363 with an incident report number.

A "threshold" level of service is needed countywide, but a higher level of service is needed in the urban and suburban areas. At this time, the utility's service area encompasses only those unincorporated urban and suburban areas where the immediate needs are greatest. The County will continue to pay for the threshold level of service from general tax revenues.

This map (PDF) shows the "Service Area" that has been defined as the utility service area. Generally, it encompasses Martinez and Evans within the Reed Creek, Jones Creek, Betty's Branch, and Euchee Creek watersheds. This area has been most severely impacted by recent urban and suburban development.

Stormwater has three different billings per year, depending on the amount of the bill.

Important information concerning your Semi-Annually Stormwater bill. Semi-Annually Stormwater bills are for the months of January to June and July to December.

Important information concerning your Annual Stormwater bills. Annual Stormwater bills are for the months of October to September.

If you have any questions regarding your Stormwater bill, please contact our office at 706-447-7645 or by email at Customer Service.

Pay your Stormwater Bill.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance on eligible buildings and contents, whether they are in or out of a floodplain. Columbia County participates in the NFIP, making federally backed flood insurance available to its property owners. For more information, please visit the Floodplain Management page.

The National Weather Service, along with the Columbia County Emergency Management Agency, provides flood warning and evacuation data to local radio and television stations. When a flood threatens, evacuations may be ordered in areas expected to flood. Residents must be prepared to move to a place of safety. Columbia County Emergency Management will announce emergency shelter locations. For more information, please visit the Floodplain Management page.

To view the Floodplain map, visit the Floodplain Management page.

Floodplains are the low, flat lands adjacent to streams, rivers, and lakes that flood frequently. They are considered part of a healthy stream and are designed to hold in flood waters, as well as support a variety of natural resources and provide natural flood and erosion control.

To prevent water pollution, here are some helpful tips: When using household cleaners, use those labeled non-toxic! Store chemicals in covered areas to protect them from rainfall. Dispose of paints and solvents at a hazardous waste collection center. Wash your car at a local car washing facility. When cleaning up yard wastes or debris, use a broom or rake. Avoid blowing leaves or disposing of yard wastes into the road. Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash. You can also report non-emergency incidents by calling 3-1-1  or create a service request online here: https://www.columbiacountyga.gov/301/Service-Request-Form

Stormwater hits impervious surfaces and since it cannot soak in, stormwater runoff is created. As stormwater hits hard surfaces like roads, driveways, and rooftops, it collects pollutants such as sediment/dirt, oil, grease, animal feces, lawn chemicals, yard debris, etc. and eventually deposits these pollutants in our local waterways. Visit the Environmental Services page for more information and email us or call 706-447-7645.

Rain water, also known as stormwater, is discharged directly to our local creeks, streams, and eventually Savannah River. There is no treatment or cleanup of stormwater before it is deposited in our waterways. Visit the Environmental Services page for more information and email us or call 706-447-7645.

We are always looking to reach out to our citizens and are more than happy to partner with the community to spread education and awareness. Visit the Green Guide to learn more about our current partnerships like Adopt-A-Stream and Rain Barrel Workshops. Visit the Green Guide here: https://columbia-county-green-guide-columbiagagis.hub.arcgis.com/

Yes, we offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Please visit the Green Guide to learn more about our environmental education. For more information, email greenguide@columbiacountyga.gov https://columbia-county-green-guide-columbiagagis.hub.arcgis.com/

Yes; all Building Permits that have land disturbance associated, even minor soil disturbance, will require an approved Land Disturbance Permit application. Visit the Land Disturbance Permit page for detailed information. Call 706-447-7645 or email us with questions.

Most Likely yes. Visit the Land Disturbance Permit page for detailed information. Call 706-447-7645 or email us with questions. Please consult with staff BEFORE starting work.

Yes! Permit requirements and inspection requirements are two separate categories. Though the Notice of Intent permit was not required, E&S inspectors still need to visit the site to determine that stabilization best management practices have been followed (e.g., silt fence removal, permanent seeding and mulch, etc.).

If the project had a Notice of Intent, please provide the County with an Environmental Protection Department Notice of Termination (NOT) form. Notice of Termination inspections are scheduled through the Stormwater Compliance Department at 706-447-7645 or via email.

Inspection requests received by 4:30 pm will be scheduled for the following business day unless you specify a later date.

Call 706-447-7645 or email us.

Contact 3-1-1 with pertinent location information. One of our inspectors will inspect the area and get back in touch with the complainant's provided contact information.

A "threshold" level of service is needed countywide, but a higher level of service is needed in the urban and suburban areas. At this time, the utility's service area encompasses only those unincorporated urban and suburban areas where the immediate needs are greatest. The County will continue to pay for the threshold level of service from general tax revenues.

This map (PDF) shows the "Service Area" that has been defined as the utility service area. Generally, it encompasses Martinez and Evans within the Reed Creek, Jones Creek, Betty's Branch, and Euchee Creek watersheds. This area has been most severely impacted by recent urban and suburban development.

Stormwater has three different billings per year, depending on the amount of the bill.

Important information concerning your Semi-Annually Stormwater bill. Semi-Annually Stormwater bills are for the months of January to June and July to December.

Important information concerning your Annual Stormwater bills. Annual Stormwater bills are for the months of October to September.

If you have any questions regarding your Stormwater bill, please contact our office at 706-447-7645 or by email at Customer Service.

Contact 3-1-1 with pertinent location information. One of our inspectors will inspect the area and get back in touch with the complainant’s provided contact information.

There are many things that we can all do on a daily basis to reduce water pollution and otherwise improve stormwater quality. We have a series of pamphlets on various topics that we can mail to you. Some of the most important things people can do are very simple, likewise lawn fertilizing and pest treatment practices. Please visit our Pollution Prevention page for more information on how YOU can be a part of the pollution prevention solution.

No. Only wastewater is collected and transported to the treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm sewer systems, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be much too expensive to size the sanitary sewers and treatment plant to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage. The volume of wastewater generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The better solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

Stormwater runoff is water that flows over our yards, streets, buildings, parking lots, and other surfaces when it rains. It flows into gutters, drainage ditches, storm sewers, and other drains that empty into our streams, ponds, and lakes, which eventually enters the Savannah River. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, but it is no less important. A variety of pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, motor oil, gasoline, and other industrial chemicals, accumulate on roofs, streets, parking lots, lawns, and other surfaces in urbanized areas and are picked up by stormwater runoff. Sometimes, people even dump paint, antifreeze, or crankcase oil from gasoline and diesel engines into storm drains. 

Failing septic tank drain fields allow wastewater containing pathogens and coliform bacteria to discharge onto the ground and into ditches, where it may be swept into streams during and following rainstorms. Even something as common as animal droppings can cause harmful water pollution if they are picked up in stormwater runoff. These pollutants are eventually carried into our local stream, creeks, and lakes. The best way to stop pollutants from entering our valuable water resources is to prevent them from entering the system.

REMINDER: Please remember that previously applied credits expire June 30. Please submit proper inspection documentation to prevent a discontinuation of any credits. if you have any questions, please contact 706-855-7246. 

A stormwater credit is a reduction in the monthly stormwater utility service fee. The overall goal of the County is to give a credit to property owners that are reducing the impact of stormwater generated by their property. By reducing the peak discharge of stormwater from their property, through either a retention or detention facility such as a pond, property owners are helping the County protect properties downstream by complying with the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, property owners are helping the County improve water quality. Columbia County is offering two types of credits for this assistance: Peak Flow Reduction Credit (also know as a pond credit) and NPDES Water Quality Credit. The maximum amount of credit available is 50% of the total stormwater utility monthly service fee.

It is the property owner or HOA/POA's responsibility to submit the appropriate Operation and Maintenance Inspection Report (Appendix C-1 or C-2) annually to continue receiving credit. Failure to submit the required information will result in discontinuation of the credit on the next billing cycle.

The Service Fee Credit Manual (PDF) provides guidance on the specific procedures to follow to receive the service credit and which appendix is needed.

• Appendix A (PDF) - Stormwater Service Fee Credit Application
• Appendix B (PDF) - Permanent Stormwater System Maintenance and Inspection Agreement
• Appendix C (PDF) - Operations and Maintenance Inspection Report for Ponds (Annual)
• Appendix D (PDF) - Engineered Pond Calculations Form
• Appendix E (PDF) - Annual Certification Form

If approved, your credit will appear on your next Stormwater Utility bill. If you have been denied, a letter will be sent to you explaining why you have not qualified for the credit. Please email our Customer Service Department or call our office at706-855-RAIN (7246) for additional information.

Urban development in Columbia County has resulted in many problems within the existing stormwater drainage system. Problems such as increased flooding, stream widening and bank erosion, changes in channel beds due to sedimentation, and stormwater quality issues are pervasive throughout the urbanized portions of Columbia County. Coupled with these problems is one of an aging infrastructure. Subdivisions built in the 1970s are seeing significant problems due to issues such as the failure of metal pipe, which has a life expectancy of 25 years.

A comprehensive evaluation of the community's stormwater management needs and opportunities was undertaken starting in 1998. As a result, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners established a Stormwater Management Utility, which commenced billing in October 2000. The Utility provides dedicated funding, enabling the County to initiate comprehensive, watershed-based projects, instead of the existing, largely reactive program.

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.

Almost every property discharges some stormwater into the public drainage systems, even if it is not noticeable to you. Properly controlling that stormwater runoff is a very real service to you and other property owners. The County's program will capture and control stormwater runoff so properties like yours are not flooded or otherwise impacted by runoff from other properties.

Impervious area (e.g., rooftops and paving) is the single most important factor influencing stormwater runoff. Urban and suburban development replaces natural ground surfaces with impervious surfaces, causing more stormwater to run off the land, rather than soak into the soil. Columbia County's stormwater service fee is based on the amount of impervious area on each property. Each 100 square feet of impervious area is billed $0.1775 per month.

All properties within the service area are billed to the owner of the property and is based on the impervious surface located on the property as reported by the Tax Assessor's Office. The stormwater service fee is billed on your monthly water and sewer bill. People who do not receive water and sewer services from the County, but own property in the stormwater service area with impervious surface, will receive a "stormwater only" bill. No developed properties will be exempt from the stormwater service charge, regardless of their ownership or tax status.

The Tax Digest is a complete listing of parcels including property taxes for Columbia County property owners as they were for the current tax bills.

In most cases when renovation takes place, additions are made or other improvements are added to the property, the value will increase. However, the cost in dollars of adding an item is not always equal to the value that the item contributes to the total property value. Upon receipt of your assessment notice, you may notice a larger or smaller increase in valuation than the actual cost of the construction. An increase in valuation can be due to variables other than new improvements to the property. It depends upon location, market demand and quality of construction. Cost is not always the same as value.

In Columbia County, properties are reassessed every year.

The appraisal staff considers a variety of factors when determining the value of your property. Some of those factors are:

• Selling price of similar properties
• Replacement cost of structure
• Income generated by the property (used mainly in commercial valuation)
• Topography
• Location
• Use
• Zoning
• Condition of structures
• Size of structures and land
• Any other factors deemed pertinent

Fair Market Value x 40% = Assessed Value

Assessed Value x Millage Rate (see note) = Tax Amount (in dollars)

Example

$100,000 x 40% = $40,000

$40,000 x.026427 = $1057.08

Note: The millage rate is the tax rate determined by the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education.

Fair market value of property means the amount a knowledgeable buyer would pay for the property and a willing seller would accept for the property at an arm's length, bona fide sale.

The Tax Assessors' Office maintains records of all properties (real and personal) within the county, including, but not limited to the current property owner and fair market value. The Board of Tax Assessors directs a staff of appraisers to obtain and review all characteristics of each property within the county to insure the accuracy of the property record. These records are maintained by a staff of appraisal clerks. Each year, the compilation of these records results in a tax digest.

The Tax Assessors' Office is also designated to receive property tax returns for real and personal property. They also accept applications for exempt property, preferential agricultural assessment, conservation use valuation and Freeport exemption.

In most cases when renovation takes place, additions are made or other improvements are added to the property, the value will increase. However, the cost in dollars of adding an item is not always equal to the value that the item contributes to the total property value. Upon receipt of your assessment notice, you may notice a larger or smaller increase in valuation than the actual cost of the construction. An increase in valuation can be due to variables other than new improvements to the property. It depends upon location, market demand and quality of construction. Cost is not always the same as value.

A modern roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. There are no traffic signals or stop signs in a modern roundabout. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout and then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street.

Any questions concerning paving of dirt roads or resurfacing of existing paved roads need to be directed to the Road Construction Department 706-447-7600.

Please contact the Traffic Engineering department at 706-868-4223.

The 85th percentile speed is defined as the speed at which eighty-five % of drivers are traveling at or below, while fifteen % of drivers are exceeding that speed.

A speed "bump" is a shorter speed control device that is primarily used in parking lots, they are approximately 12-15 inches wide. A speed "hump" is used as a traffic control device on streets and roads. They are approximately 20 feet or wider.

Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223. Please click to view the Speed Hump Program Policy Manual (PDF).

You can call the Traffic Engineering Department at 706-868-4223 for this information or you may visit the Georgia Department of Transportation website.

To request sidewalks, please call the Columbia County Road Construction Department at 706-447-7600.

Columbia County no longer installs "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" signs. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) no longer recognizes "Children at Play" signs. There is no evidence to prove that this sign helps reduce pedestrian accidents or lower speeds and in some instances studies have shown that speeds have increased in areas where these signs are present. Currently, when a "Children at Play" or "Watch for Children" sign is present in a work area, it will be removed.

According to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a stop sign shall not be used to control speed.

You can report the problem to Traffic Engineering at 706-868-4223 or email us.

This is a common myth, research conducted throughout the country over several decades has shown that drivers are influenced by the type of street and the current traffic conditions and not the posted speed limit.

The placement of speed limit signs are based on several factors. One of the main factors is the functional classification of the roadway. If it is a local road (typical subdivision street), speed limit signs are normally placed only on the local roads that serve as entrances/exits to subdivisions. Usually, none of the interior subdivision streets have speed limit signs placed.

The stop bar is supposed to be placed at the critical point. It should be placed where one will be out of the flow of oncoming traffic and where the stopping vehicle can see oncoming traffic. According to code requirements, the stop sign can be anywhere from six feet to fifty feet from the edge of the intersecting street.