| A History On August 20, 1906 the Marietta Board of Lights and Waterworks (BLW) was created. Designed as a corporation to own and administer water and electric utilities for the growing city of Marietta. John Awtry and S. D. Rambo were appointed as the first water commissioners. Sam D. Rambo chaired the first BLW Board of Directors and S. K. Dick was vice-chair. Also on the board were J. M. Fowler, T. A. Gramling and Mayor E. P. Dobbs. These early leaders laid solid groundwork for the success that has followed. In 1942, with the arrival of the Bell Aircraft Company, dramatic improvements were made to the utility's infrastructure. The U. S. Corps of Engineers laid a 20-inch permanent main line from Atlanta for Bell's exclusive use, the first in this area to be constructed of steel rather than cast iron. The following year Marietta Power and Water expanded the water system around the Bell Bomber plant. As much as Bell Bomber's new presence helped shape the city of Marietta, it also aided the growth of Marietta Power and Water. Today, with over 45,000 residential and commercial customers, Marietta Power and Water is the biggest municipal utility in Georgia. Throughout Marietta's rich history, Marietta Power and Water has played a vital role in the city's growth and progress. Many of the things that make Marietta an enviable city in which to live, work and play have been fostered by its public-owned utility. Our reliable infrastructure and forward-thinking leadership has helped power the growth of nationally recognized health institutions, an award-winning education system, and fostered a strong and stable financial base that attracts new businesses and excels at retaining the old. The indefinable "sense of community" that has long characterized Marietta has been enhanced by the presence of its hometown utility. Our Board and employees are your friends and neighbors. We shop at the same stores and worship at the same churches. Our children attend the same schools and play on the same teams. We, like you, love our community and are committed to its continued growth and prosperity. Special Thanks to The City of Marietta (http://www.mariettaga.gov/) Marietta Power and Water (http://www.mariettaga.gov/departments/utilities/default.aspx) Current News The governing Board of Lights & Water (BLW) consists of seven members. The Mayor of the City of Marietta sits as the chairperson and appoints one member of City Council to the Board. The City Council appoints the remaining five members, each of which must receive service from the Marietta Board of Lights and Water. There are three residents of the City of Marietta that preside on our Board as well as one resident outside the City of Marietta and one business owner (or employee). The business owner's business must receive services from the Marietta Board of Lights and Water and the owner/employee must reside in Cobb County. Awards for Marietta Utilities - Best Water Distribution System in the State (for cities in the 10,000-50,000 population group)
- 2007 Consumer Confidence Report of the Year
- 2007 Public Information Program of the Year (in medium-sized utility category)
- 2005 Best Consumer Confidence Report of the Year
- 2005 Outstanding Operation of a Water Distribution System (medium-sized system)
- 2004 Consumer Confidence Report Certificate of Achievement
- 2003 Consumer Confidence Report Certificate of Achievement
- 2002 Public Education Distinguished Program Award
- 2001 Safety Achievement Award of Merit
- 2001 Outstanding Operation of a Water Distribution System (medium-sized system)
- 2007 Appreciation Award
- 2007 Outstanding Partner in Education awarded by Cobb County
- 2005 Outstanding Partner in Education awarded by Cobb County
- 2004 Appreciation Award from Marietta City Schools
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