Chapman recognized for his work with Shaw

Here’s a look at what’s happening in other parts of Northwest Georgia:

Rome native Charles Chapman is named to the 2017 Energy Manager Today 50.

DALTON — Rome native Charles Chapman, director of energy and reliability engineering at Shaw Industries, has been named to the 2017 Energy Manager Today 50. Awarded by Energy Manager Today magazine, the distinction recognizes those who have driven their companies and the energy management industry forward.

Chapman has been instrumental in Shaw’s efforts to reduce its energy impact, according to company officials. With a goal of achieving a 40 percent reduction in energy intensity (the amount of energy required to make each pound of finished product) by 2030, the company has already reduced its impact by 15 percent compared to its 2010 operations. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy has recognized Shaw for improvement across its U.S. facilities through the Department of Energy Better Plants program.

Chapman joined Shaw in 1997. He graduated from East Rome High School and is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is the son of Giles and Iva Chapman of Rome.

He has served on numerous community and industry boards, including his current roles on the boards of the Calhoun City College & Career Academy, which offers a work-based learning curriculum for high school students, and Associated Valley Industries, a nonprofit organization of about 68 companies within the Tennessee Valley Authority service area.

This year’s honorees will be recognized as part of the Energy Manager Summit at the Environmental Leader 2017 Conference in June.

Visit www.northwestgeorgia.com for more news from The (Dalton) Daily Citizen.

Walker raising water rates

LaFAYETTE — The Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority, which provides water for about 10,000 customers and sewer service to about 3,500, will charge more — substantially more — for its utilities beginning with May billings.

The WCWSA’s board of directors approved a rate hike of more than 36 percent, saying it is needed to update its aging system. County spokesman Joe Legge said replacing older galvanized water mains will begin this summer.

These older water mains will be upgraded from two-inch galvanized pipe to six-inch high-pressure poly-plastic pipe. Additionally, more valves will also be installed, which should mean fewer customers will have outages or pressure drops when leaks occur and repairs become necessary.

Beginning May 1, these infrastructure repairs will be funded by acrossthe-board rate increases for residential and commercial customers.

Residential water-only customers now pay a base rate of $11 for the first 1,000 gallons of water used and $3.50 for each additional 1,000 gallons. Those who have sewer service have been paying the same fee, so a home with WCWSA water and sewer would pay a total of $22 for their basic service.

The new base rate for each service will increase to $15. Not only will there be a rate hike, but there will no longer be any water included in that base. The new rates will be charged as soon as a faucet is opened or a toilet is flushed — every drop used will now be billed at $3.50 per 1,000 gallon.

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