The Richland Creek Reservoir (RCR) is part of the Richland Creek Water Supply Program. It is a new 305-acre reservoir that once completed, will supply up to three billion gallons of drinking water to existing and future residents of Paulding County.
The Paulding County water system has approximately 43,000 customers, and a current average demand of approximately 10 million gallons a day. Our County is currently a wholesale customer of the Cobb County Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA). Currently we are at the mercy of the rate increases imposed by CCMWA as to the price for water. We are also subject to the availability of that water through the CCMWA system. Paulding County is a growing County and water is a requirement for that continued growth. The Richland Creek reservoir will provide for this county's growing needs with a state-of-the-art facility that will not only give better quality water to the citizens of Paulding County but will be much more cost effective solution. The reservoir will save the county up to $100 million by 2050.

Paulding County is the only county in Georgia without its own water supply. All of the surrounding counties have their own source of water. Paulding County citizens voted in 1999 to pursue the program and purchase the land to develop the reservoir. On October 9, 2015 after 16 years Paulding County received its 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. This was an a giant step, 16 years in the making, that will bring this county more control over its growth and future development. The State of Georgia recognizes the need that Paulding County has for this water supply. Paulding County was the only county approved to pursue this type of water program. In addition to approving the project State of Georgia has also been helpful in providing assistance in carrying out the project financially.
Program funding will be achieved through $65 million in low interest loans provided by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority. Additionally, $15 million will be provided in State Direct Investment and remaining additional funding will be provided through Revenue Bonds. Repayment will be through funds generated by water consumption and sewer usage.

Richland Creek Water Supply Program is designed to achieve specific goals for Paulding County.

1. Provide a new drinking water supply for Paulding County.
2. Bring rate stability to County residents.
3. Pump in parallel to power releases and high flows (minimizing impact on downstream users).
4. Will not impact endangered species such as the Cherokee Darter.

Construction of the reservoir, dam, water treatment plant and pipeline are underway in various stages below will be a list of what is to be expected as the next steps to be taken. The new facility when completed in 2019 will be a state-of-the-art facility and provide high-quality water to the people Paulding County. In addition there will be an adjacent park provided for passive recreation complete with a boat ramp and public access.
For more information please see the Richland Creek reservoir website at www.RCRwater.com Information provided by Kelly Comstock of Brown & Caldwell.