In 2015, the Environmental Services Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) began its work with the Fords Valley & Hwy 278 Water Cooperative, a system serving the rural communities between Gadsden and Piedmont, Alabama, in the northeastern part of the state.

CU’s involvement came at the recommendation of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), but the real spark was a call to Felix Firestone, a board member at the time, from a manager at nearby Highland Water Authority.
“You need to contact this lady right here, Dinah Foreman. She’s with Communities Unlimited,” Firestone recalled the manager saying. Trusting the advice, Felix quickly scheduled a meeting with Dinah.
“Back then, we were going through a terrible ordeal,” Felix said. “Our office personnel had been stealing from us, and we didn’t catch it until much later. From 2013 to August 2016, I wanted to review the books, but others dismissed it.” By the time the theft was fully uncovered, a forensic audit revealed $156,000 was missing, and the individual responsible was indicted by a grand jury in 2021. But the financial damage had already taken its toll.
Dinah, now CU’s Alabama State Coordinator, stepped in during one of the Co-op’s most challenging periods. “She was critical in getting us organized and pointing us in the right direction,” Felix said. CU’s initial Technical, Managerial, and Financial (TMF) assessment, led by Dinah, highlighted key issues related to governance, financial management, and technical capacity. She conducted board training and worked closely with Felix and the leadership team to implement sustainable practices. Dinah also guided them through a rate analysis and improvements in office procedures to restore financial accountability.
Building a Stronger Foundation
In the fall of 2016, after Felix became Board Chairman, the Co-op began making progress. “Once we changed the board and brought Dinah back, she spent more time with us and even held workshops. I leaned on her knowledge,” Felix said.
The Co-op adopted CU’s recommended financial recordkeeping practices and improved its rate structure. Dinah played a key role in helping the board approve a critical rate increase in 2018, which was pivotal to stabilizing their finances.
“She was instrumental in getting that rate increase approved,” Felix said. “Thanks to that and reducing our water loss, we haven’t needed another rate increase, even with inflation.”
At the time, the Co-op faced a water loss of 2 to 5 million gallons per month. Under Dinah’s guidance, the team systematically addressed the issue, and now water loss is under a million gallons per month — a significant reduction that has helped cut costs.
CU also introduced the Check-Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) Asset Management Program, helping the Co-op inventory its assets and manage long-term maintenance. In 2020, CU completed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping project, improving the Co-op’s ability to manage its distribution system.
Exploring New Water Sources
By 2021, the Co-op faced a new challenge: finding a second water source to reduce dependence on purchased water. CU connected the Co-op with a geologist from the Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA) to identify potential sites for a test well. Although initial grant applications were unsuccessful, the Co-op used its reserves to fund the drilling of a test well, which yielded a flow rate of over 400 gallons per minute. The water required only chlorination, making it a promising option.
CU continued to assist the Co-op with its Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP), meeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Felix credited Dinah for ensuring their emergency plans met all standards.
In June 2023, after months of collaboration, the Co-op secured $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a $2.23 million State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan, which included $625,000 in loan forgiveness. This funding was essential for developing the new well, which was drilled to a depth of 240 feet with a capacity of 500 gallons per minute. Despite challenges, including rising project costs due to inflation, CU helped the Co-op navigate budget revisions and maintain communication with engineers and regulators.
“We have always wanted a well, and we’re getting it done,” Felix said. He hopes the well will further reduce costs and contribute to long-term financial stability.
“All the pipe for the well is in the ground. The main casing is in the ground. We’ve done our water test and pump test, and we’ve come a long way. We’ve even changed attitudes among the community. People are more supportive now on Facebook. It’s rewarding for all the board members to see how far we’ve come.”
— Felix Firestone
A Decade of Progress
Over the past decade, CU’s partnership with Fords Valley has evolved into a comprehensive collaboration focused on long-term sustainability. The Co-op has strengthened its technical expertise, managerial capacity, and financial resilience, and now operates as a self-reliant system.
“When I joined the board, we had $820,000 in debt,” Felix reflected. “We paid it off within three years. Now, we don’t owe anyone except for current bills.”
The new well represents more than just a reliable water source — it’s a symbol of the resilience and hard work of a community that overcame significant challenges. Today, the Fords Valley & Hwy 278 Water Cooperative serves over 4,600 people, providing high-quality water and a brighter future for Etowah County. With phase one of the new water source complete and plans for phase two underway, the Co-op’s journey highlights the power of perseverance and partnerships.
Felix credits CU’s support, especially Dinah Foreman’s guidance.
“Dinah has always been there for us. She’s my go-to for advice. Without her, we wouldn’t be where we are today. She’s helped us through numerous situations, even during tough times. I can’t emphasize enough how much she’s meant to us. Dinah is super.”
— Felix Firestone
Dinah added, “When Felix Firestone became board chairman, he was determined to turn the Co-op around, and he did. Today, it’s financially stable, consistently in compliance, and well-managed — all thanks to Felix’s leadership, hard work, and dedication to his community.”