From Best-Tasting Water to Miracle League Dreams: A Conversation with Mike Hopkins, Newton County’s Water & Sewerage Visionary - Episode 15
In the latest episode of The Town Square Podcast, co-hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with an iconic figure in Newton County—Mike Hopkins, the Executive Director for the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. With an incredible 27 years of service in this role, Mike has been instrumental in guiding our community through transformative growth, all while preserving the small-town charm that makes Newton County so special. His leadership and long-term vision have positioned the county for sustainable development, particularly in innovative projects like the Stanton Springs business park. Here, cutting-edge technology meets eco-conscious planning with the creation of a massive recycle and reuse station—an achievement Mike and his team are incredibly proud of.
Understanding the Flow: From Rivers to Our Sinks
In this episode, Mike gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how water from our rivers makes its way into our homes, providing insight into the intricate systems that purify it for drinking and the advanced processes that clean wastewater before it’s reintroduced into the environment. Newton County’s water is not just clean—it’s award-winning. For the second time in four years, our water has been voted the "Best Tasting Water in the State of Georgia," a testament to the dedication of Mike and the Newton County Water Resource team led by Director James Brown, to delivering quality water to every household.
Tackling Environmental Concerns: The PFAS Challenge
A hot topic in the industry, Mike also dives into the issue of PFAS—harmful chemicals found in water supplies across the country—and explains the proactive steps Newton County is taking to eliminate these substances from our water system. Mike’s passion for the work he does and the safety of our community shines through in his thoughtful discussion on the importance of safeguarding our water for generations to come.
The Miracle League & Upcoming All-Star Weekend
While Mike is undoubtedly passionate about his role at the Water and Sewerage Authority, his heart truly lies with The Miracle League, an organization that gives children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. Mike has been an integral part of bringing the national annual Miracle League All-Star Game to Newton County, an event that’s just around the corner. On Friday, October 4th, the entire Covington Square will transform into a block party for Miracle League athletes and their families from across the nation. To top it off, Covington will witness its first-ever drone show that evening! The games will take place on Saturday, October 5th, and Mike urges the community to come out, show support, and cheer on these incredible athletes. It’s a chance for all of us to make these stars feel like the heroes they are. (To donate to this incredible experience click here: Miracle League of Newton County.)
Tune In & Get Involved!
This episode of The Town Square Podcast offers an inspiring and educational conversation with one of Newton County’s most dedicated leaders. Whether you want to learn more about how our water system works, how we’re tackling environmental issues, or how to get involved with the Miracle League, this episode has something for everyone.
As always, we encourage our listeners to like and share the podcast on social media so that more Newtonians can stay informed about local news and hear from influential community members. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d also love for you to leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—your feedback goes a long way in helping us spread the word and promote meaningful conversations here at the Town Square.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Miracle League All-Star Weekend, and we’ll see you on the Square!
