Newton County and its five cities were given a prestigious award for something most of us generally take for granted: water.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs designated Newton County a WaterFirst Community because of the proactive steps it has taken in managing and protecting its water recourses.

Over the years local officials have taken great lengths to protect our precious rivers and reservoir.

While many Georgia communities lack abundant water supplies and are fearful of brief droughts, Newton County is in good shape now and into the future as another reservoir, Bear Creek, is planned to be built in the coming years.

We are proud of the steps our past and present local officials have taken to preserve our water and to help set us up for future development. Their efforts ensure our county will be able to handle the growth that's sure to come in decades ahead.