ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council has approved more than $40 million for water infrastructure projects and equipment for the city’s Department of Watershed Management.

Council members approved the three-measure package Monday. The funding will support engineering, design and construction management for water projects, along with vehicles and heavy equipment.

Most of the money will be used to extend agreements with contractors working on previously scheduled upgrades. One measure moves $20 million from reserves for engineering, design and construction management, while another provides $2 million for vehicles and heavy equipment.

The package also extends agreements with consultant teams that help manage the city’s water projects.

The funding comes weeks after members of the City Council’s Utilities Committee questioned Watershed Management leaders over nearly a quarter-billion dollars in unpaid water bills.

“This is one of the worst financial situations I’ve seen since I’ve been on council,” Councilman Dustin Hillis said.

The Department of Watershed Management has since introduced a plan to more aggressively pursue delinquent customers, assess late fees and potentially shut off water service for customers who do not pay.

In March 2025, city officials announced a 20-year plan to make significant upgrades to Atlanta’s aging water infrastructure, estimating the work would cost $2 billion.

Atlanta has more than 4,000 miles of pipes running beneath the city.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Rob Archer contributed to this story.