Water Bottle Refill at ATL: Where to Find Water Filling Stations at Atlanta Airport
If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering whether you can refill a reusable water bottle, the answer is yes. Atlanta’s airport does have water filling stations in multiple concourses, and they’re becoming easier to find as the airport upgrades its drinking fountains.
Below is a practical guide to where they are, how they work, and what to know if you live in Atlanta, are flying out for a trip, or are connecting through the city.
Does Atlanta Airport Have Water Filling Stations?
Yes. Atlanta Airport has bottle-filling stations in many areas, especially past security in the main concourses. These are typically combined with standard drinking fountains and look like a wall-mounted fountain with an extra “bottle area” above or behind it that dispenses water straight down into your bottle.
You’ll usually find them:
- Near restrooms
- Along main walkways in the concourses
- Close to some gate areas and food courts
The setup and exact locations can shift as the airport renovates, but refilling a bottle is widely possible once you’re inside the terminal.
Where to Find Water Filling Stations at ATL
You won’t see a single master map just for water stations posted everywhere, but there are some consistent patterns that help when you’re trying to find one quickly.
Before Security vs. After Security
Before security (check-in area):
- You may find traditional drinking fountains in the Domestic and International terminals.
- Dedicated bottle-filling units are less common in this area compared with the concourses.
- If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta, it’s often easier to keep your bottle empty, get through security, and refill it afterward.
After security (Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F, and the Plane Train level):
- Most water bottle filling stations are here.
- Look near restroom entrances, along hallway intersections, and near some food courts.
💡 Tip: Once you get to your gate, walk a short distance toward the nearest restrooms. In many parts of ATL, that’s your best bet for finding a refill station.
What the Water Filling Stations Look Like
Most of the updated stations at ATL share a few features:
- A standard drinking fountain at mouth level
- A taller back panel with a flat area underneath where you place your bottle
- A sensor or push button that dispenses water straight down into the bottle
- Often a small indicator or display showing how many bottles have been “saved”
They are normally labeled as “bottle filling station” or similar, but even when there’s no big sign, the vertical panel and downward spout are the main giveaways.
Is the Water Free and Safe to Drink?
For most travelers, these stations are designed as a free, drinkable water source:
Cost:
- Refilling your bottle is free. There’s no card tap or payment system; you simply push or place your bottle and fill it.
Water quality:
- The water at ATL’s fountains and filling stations is municipal tap water, supplied through the City of Atlanta’s water system and the airport’s internal plumbing.
- Many bottle fillers include a filter component and an indicator light showing filter status, but not all units have this feature.
If you’re particular about taste, letting the water run for a second before filling can sometimes help, especially if the fountain hasn’t been used in a while.
How to Refill Your Bottle Efficiently at Atlanta Airport
To make refilling smooth when you’re moving through the world’s busiest airport:
Arrive with an empty bottle
- You can bring a reusable bottle through ATL’s TSA checkpoints, but it must be empty at screening.
- Fill it after you clear security in your concourse.
Use your concourse, not just the main terminal
- ATL is laid out with a central atrium and multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F, and the International Terminal).
- If you’re departing from, for example, Concourse B, wait until you’re in Concourse B to refill. Walking between concourses can take time.
Head for the restrooms
- At ATL, restrooms are some of the most reliable landmarks for finding water filling stations.
- Look just outside or immediately inside the restroom area; stations are often mounted on a side wall nearby.
Give yourself time during tight connections
- If your Atlanta layover is short, don’t wander too far from your gate.
- Look on the same side of the concourse as your gate number; many filling stations are centered between clusters of gates.
Quick-Reference Guide: Water at ATL
Here’s a simple overview to help you plan:
| Question | What to Expect at ATL |
|---|---|
| Are there bottle filling stations? | Yes, in many concourses and near restrooms after security. |
| Are they free to use? | Yes. No charge for refilling your bottle. |
| Can I bring a full bottle through security? | No. Bottles must be empty at TSA checkpoints. |
| Is the water cold? | Often chilled, but temperature can vary by station. |
| Are stations before security? | Mostly traditional fountains; bottle fillers are more common after security. |
| Do all concourses have them? | Many do, especially the busier concourses; exact placement can change over time. |
Tips for Atlanta Locals Flying Out of ATL
If you live in Metro Atlanta and use ATL regularly, a few habits can make things easier:
Keep a dedicated travel bottle
- A sturdy, leak-resistant bottle is useful if you regularly commute to Hartsfield–Jackson from neighborhoods like Midtown, Decatur, or the northern suburbs.
Plan for security timing
- If you’re used to driving down I-75 or I-85 to the airport, factor in security lines. It’s usually faster to wait to refill until after you clear TSA, instead of hunting for a fountain in the ticketing hall.
Use the same concourse every trip when you can
- If you frequently fly the same airline, you’ll get to know where “your” water filling stations are on that concourse and can head straight there before boarding.
Travelers Arriving in Atlanta: What to Expect
If Atlanta is your final destination:
- You can refill your bottle before you leave the secure concourse if you want water for the MARTA train, rideshare pickup, or drive home.
- Once you leave the secure area and exit to baggage claim, you’ll typically find more standard drinking fountains than bottle-specific fillers, though this can change as the airport renovates.
For visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport hotels, many hotels and conference venues also offer water stations, so keeping a reusable bottle handy can be useful beyond the airport.
Who Manages Water Stations at Atlanta Airport?
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is operated by the City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation. They oversee terminal facilities, including restrooms, drinking fountains, and bottle-filling stations.
For general airport and facility questions, including accessibility and amenities, you can contact:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- General information: Typically available through the airport’s main information line or at information desks located in the Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, and main concourses.
If you have specific concerns about water availability, accessibility, or equipment issues, staff at airport information counters or nearby gate agents can usually direct you to the closest working station.
Practical Bottom Line for Atlanta Flyers
- Yes, ATL does have water bottle filling stations, especially in the concourses after security.
- The stations are free, generally easy to use, and most are located near restrooms or along major walkways.
- Arrive at security with an empty bottle, then refill once you’re in your concourse so you’re set for your flight, your connection, or your trip into Atlanta.