Atlanta – Georgia – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management (DWM) serves over 1.2 million residents across the city and parts of Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties. The utility manages approximately 2,800 miles of water mains, three drinking water treatment plants, and multiple reservoirs, delivering roughly 135 million gallons daily to this dynamic southeastern metropolitan center.
Atlanta draws its drinking water primarily from the Chattahoochee River and smaller tributaries, with additional supply from Lake Lanier, the water source remains subject to ongoing water allocation negotiations under the 2021 Supreme Court decree, though currently provides ~30% of Atlanta’s supply. Despite abundant annual rainfall (approximately 50 inches), Atlanta faces unique water challenges due to its location near the headwaters of major river systems and limited natural water storage. The city has transformed its water system since the early 2000s, implementing over $2 billion in infrastructure improvements following a federal consent decree. Atlanta’s water management approach now balances infrastructure modernization, watershed protection, and climate resilience planning for this rapidly growing urban center.
Atlanta Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 5.6 parts per billion (ppb), below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting improved corrosion control and ongoing infrastructure replacement.
- Testing Scope: Atlanta conducts over 150,000 water quality tests annually, including enhanced monitoring at residential sites and comprehensive source water surveillance.
- Compliance Status: Atlanta’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulations.
River-Based Water Supply
- Chattahoochee River: Primary source (approximately 70% of supply) with intake points at multiple locations, though water quality varies seasonally with rainfall and upstream conditions.
- Lake Lanier: Secondary source (approximately 30% of supply) providing additional capacity and flexibility during drought conditions.
- Watershed Protection: Comprehensive source water protection programs including buffer zone preservation, stormwater management, and upstream monitoring.
Treatment Excellence
- Advanced Filtration: Chattahoochee and Hemphill Water Treatment Plants employ multi-stage filtration processes including conventional treatment, ultrafiltration membranes, and disinfection.
- Disinfection System: Recent conversion to chloramine disinfection has reduced disinfection byproducts while maintaining effective pathogen control.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized orthophosphate addition prevents lead leaching from pipes, with treatment adjusted based on extensive water chemistry monitoring.
Infrastructure Transformation
- Capital Improvement Program: Over $2 billion invested in water system upgrades since 2000, addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, and capacity challenges.
- Water Main Replacement: Accelerated pipe replacement program targeting pre-1940 pipes and areas with histories of water main breaks or water quality concerns.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced metering infrastructure with leak detection capabilities and real-time monitoring to improve system efficiency and water quality oversight.
Climate Resilience Planning
Atlanta has implemented a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy, addressing both the flooding risks from intense rainfall events and drought vulnerability. The city’s “Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan” includes water system redundancy, emergency interconnections with neighboring utilities, and sustainable infrastructure design. DWM has incorporated green infrastructure throughout the watershed to manage stormwater, reduce flooding impacts, and improve source water quality. The Proctor Creek Watershed Improvement Program ($30 million) reduces flooding risks in vulnerable neighborhoods. Atlanta’s position at the headwaters of major river systems necessitates careful water resource management, as the city must balance its needs with downstream communities while preparing for increasingly variable precipitation patterns due to climate change.
Recommendations for Atlanta Residents
Request Water Testing
Schedule free water testing through Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management by calling 3-1-1 or (404) 546-0311. Testing is especially important for homes built before 1986 or with known lead service lines.
Use Certified Filters
If your home was built before 1986, use NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water. Filters are particularly important during periods of high turbidity after heavy rainfall.
Harvest Rainwater
Take advantage of Atlanta’s ample rainfall with rain barrels and cisterns. The city offers up to $75 rebates for rain harvesting equipment, which helps reduce stormwater runoff and conserves treated water.
Flush After Discoloration
If you notice temporary discoloration after heavy rain or nearby water main work, run cold water for 3-5 minutes until clear. Contact 3-1-1 if discoloration persists beyond 15 minutes of flushing.
Report Issues Promptly
Report water main breaks, unusual water quality, or pressure problems immediately to Atlanta 3-1-1. During heavy rainfall events, reporting issues helps DWM prioritize emergency response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Atlanta’s tap water is safe and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water undergoes extensive treatment at our Chattahoochee and Hemphill Water Treatment Plants, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
DWM conducts over 150,000 water quality tests annually, monitoring for more than 250 potential contaminants. Lead testing shows levels well below EPA action limits, though residents in homes built before 1986 may want to use certified filters as an extra precaution.
During heavy rain events, you may occasionally notice temporary discoloration or taste changes. This is typically due to increased sediment in our river sources and is addressed through treatment adjustments. If concerned, call Atlanta 3-1-1 for free water quality testing.
Why does my water sometimes appear discolored?
Occasional water discoloration in Atlanta is typically caused by:
• Heavy rainfall: Increased sediment in the Chattahoochee River following storms
• Water main breaks or repairs: Disturbances in pipes can dislodge mineral deposits
• Fire hydrant testing: Changes in water flow direction can stir up sediment
• Older pipes: Cast iron pipes may release iron particles causing reddish-brown color
This discoloration, while aesthetically unpleasant, is typically not a health concern. If you notice discoloration, run cold water for 3-5 minutes until clear. If it persists for more than 15 minutes of flushing, contact Atlanta 3-1-1 to report the issue.
What improvements has Atlanta made to its water system?
Since the early 2000s, Atlanta has invested over $2 billion in water system improvements:
• Treatment Plant Upgrades: Modernized Chattahoochee and Hemphill plants with advanced filtration and monitoring technology
• Water Main Replacement: Accelerated program replacing aging pipes, with priority on pre-1940 infrastructure
• Water Storage: New reservoirs and tanks improve system resilience and pressure stability
• Smart Meters: Advanced metering infrastructure helps detect leaks and monitor system performance
• Watershed Protection: Enhanced buffers and stormwater management to protect source water
These investments were driven by a federal consent decree requiring system improvements and have resulted in significantly better water quality and reliability.
How is Atlanta addressing water conservation?
Though located in a relatively water-rich region, Atlanta has implemented comprehensive conservation measures:
• Tiered Rate Structure: Progressive pricing that encourages efficient water use
• Fixture Rebates: Financial incentives for water-efficient toilets, washing machines, and irrigation controllers
• Leak Detection: Smart meters alert customers to potential leaks
• Commercial Efficiency: Water audits and retrofits for businesses and institutions
• Education Programs: School and community outreach on water conservation
• Water Reclamation: Treated wastewater used for non-potable purposes
These efforts have led to water use being reduced by 20% since 2000 despite population growth (DWM Conservation Report), and help manage Atlanta’s water needs within the constraints of the tri-state water agreements governing the Chattahoochee River Basin.
Contaminants of Concern
Turbidity
Source: Soil erosion, urban runoff, and sediment from the Chattahoochee River watershed, especially during heavy rainfall events
Health Effects: While not directly harmful, high turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide medium for microbial growth
Current Status: Average turbidity: 0.3 NTU (EPA limit 1 NTU); peaks to 5 NTU during extreme storms but remains treatable
Lead
Source: Lead service lines and older plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1986; Atlanta has identified 1,200+ remaining lead service lines; replacement program targets full elimination by 2027 (DWM Lead Strategy)
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 5.6 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
PFAS
Status: Non-detectable in 2023 testing; monitoring continues under EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5).
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