Atlanta City Water: How It Works, Who to Call, and What Residents Should Know

Atlanta’s city water system touches almost every part of daily life: drinking, cooking, bathing, working, and even enjoying the Chattahoochee River. If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are visiting for a while, understanding how Atlanta city water works can save you time, money, and stress when something goes wrong.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to Atlanta’s public water: where it comes from, how to set up service, pay bills, handle leaks, and what to do if you have water quality or pressure concerns.

Who Runs Atlanta City Water?

The public water system in the City of Atlanta is managed by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. This department handles:

• Drinking water treatment and delivery
• Sewer and wastewater collection and treatment
• Stormwater management and drainage
• Customer billing and service accounts

Most people within city limits – especially those with an “Atlanta, GA” address and paying a city water bill – are connected to this system.

Key customer service points:

• Main customer service phone: 404-546-0311
• Customer Service Center (commonly used location):
  Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

If you’re unsure whether you have City of Atlanta water or another provider (such as DeKalb County, Fulton County, or Cobb County), your water bill will list the responsible agency and contact information.

Where Does Atlanta’s Water Come From?

Atlanta is somewhat unusual for a major city because it is not located on a large natural lake. Most of the city’s drinking water is drawn from:

• The Chattahoochee River
• Supplemented by reservoirs and storage facilities managed by the city

From there, water goes through treatment plants where it is filtered, disinfected, and tested before being pumped through underground pipes to homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

Residents commonly want to know:

• Is Atlanta city water treated?
  Yes. Water from the Chattahoochee and other sources goes through multi-stage treatment, including filtration and disinfection, to meet drinking water standards.

• Is tap water generally considered safe to drink?
  Water utilities in Atlanta routinely test water for contaminants and report the results to regulators and the public. Many residents drink tap water, while some choose to use additional filters based on taste preferences or personal comfort.

For the most current information, residents often look at annual water quality reports published by the Department of Watershed Management.

Setting Up, Transferring, or Canceling Water Service in Atlanta

If you move into or out of the City of Atlanta, you’ll usually need to open, transfer, or close a water and sewer account.

Starting New Water Service

You’ll typically need:

• Name and contact information
• Service address and date you want service to start
• Mailing address if different from the service location
• Identification details as requested by the city

Many people handle this:

• By phone through the Department of Watershed Management
• In person at a city service office or City Hall customer service desk

Allow a few business days for processing, especially during peak moving periods.

Transferring or Closing Service

When moving within Atlanta:

• Request a transfer of service from your old address to your new one.
• Provide move-out and move-in dates to avoid overlapping bills.

When leaving the city or a rental:

• Ask to close your account as of your move-out date.
• Provide a forwarding address for your final bill or any refund.

Keeping written or emailed confirmation of your request can help resolve later billing questions.

Understanding Your Atlanta Water Bill

Atlanta water bills usually combine water and sewer charges on a single statement. Typical elements include:

• Base service or customer charge
• Water usage charge, often based on how many gallons (or units) you used
• Sewer charge, often tied to water usage
• Possible stormwater fee or similar assessment

Common Bill Questions in Atlanta

1. Why is my bill so high this month?
Common local reasons include:

• Undetected leaks (especially running toilets or irrigation leaks)
• Seasonal increases (summer lawn watering, filling pools, guests staying over)
• Estimated reads corrected by an actual meter read
• A new appliance or fixture that uses more water than expected

2. Can I get an adjustment if I had a leak?
The city often has a process for billing adjustments when a verified leak has been repaired. Residents may need to:

• Provide proof of repair (such as a plumber’s invoice)
• Show that the high usage is not ongoing
• Submit a formal adjustment request within a certain timeframe

3. How often are meters read?
Water meters are typically read on a monthly cycle, though actual dates may vary by route and area.

Ways to Pay Your Atlanta Water Bill

Residents and businesses in Atlanta usually have several payment options. Availability may evolve over time, but commonly include:

• Online payment through the city’s billing portal
• Automatic bank draft (auto-pay)
• By mail using a check or money order to the address listed on your bill
• In person at a city payment center or kiosk
• By phone using an automated system or live agent

Late payments can result in late fees and eventually service interruption, so it’s wise to note your due date. If you anticipate trouble paying your bill, contact the Department of Watershed Management as early as possible to ask about payment plans or available options.

Water Quality in Atlanta: Taste, Color, and Safety Questions

Atlanta residents sometimes notice changes in taste, odor, or color of tap water. Many of these issues are temporary and linked to maintenance, weather patterns, or building plumbing, but they’re worth paying attention to.

Common Water Quality Concerns

• “My water looks cloudy or milky.”
  This can often be due to tiny air bubbles in the water. Filling a glass and letting it sit for a few minutes can show whether the water clears from the bottom up (suggesting air rather than sediment).

• “My water has a chlorine smell.”
  Disinfection with chlorine or related compounds is a normal part of municipal treatment. Some people notice it more than others, especially after system adjustments. Letting water sit in an open container or using a home filter can reduce the smell.

• “The water is brown or rusty-looking.”
  Discolored water can occur after water main breaks, hydrant flushing, or plumbing work. Residents are often advised to run cold water from a bathtub or large sink for a few minutes until it clears. If discoloration persists, contact the city.

• “Is lead in pipes a concern in Atlanta?”
  In older neighborhoods, there can be concern about older service lines, solder, or indoor plumbing. The city typically tests water at the treatment plants and in parts of the distribution system. Some residents in older buildings choose to use certified filters or have their water tested, especially for infants or pregnant individuals.

What To Do if You Notice a Problem

If you detect an unusual smell, taste, color, or residue:

1. Check whether it’s affecting only hot water, only cold water, or all taps.
2. Ask neighbors if they are having similar issues.
3. Contact the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management to report what you’re seeing and get guidance.

If advised, you may be told to avoid using water for drinking or cooking until an issue is resolved. Follow official instructions carefully.

Water Pressure and Service Interruptions in Atlanta

Changes in water pressure or temporary loss of service can occur around the city due to maintenance, breaks, or emergency repairs.

Low or High Water Pressure

Atlanta residents commonly experience pressure changes:

• During nearby construction or hydrant use
• After water main repairs
• In multi-story buildings with complex internal plumbing

If the whole area seems affected, it may be a system issue. If it’s only your home or building, it may be a private plumbing issue.

Steps to take:

• Check multiple faucets to see if the problem is house-wide.
• Look for any home filters or pressure regulators that could be clogged or failing.
• Contact the city to confirm whether work is being done in your area.
• If it appears to be internal, consider contacting a licensed plumber.

Planned and Emergency Outages

The city may occasionally shut off water to perform planned maintenance. Residents may be notified by:

• Door tags or notices
• Local announcements
• Communication from property managers in multi-family buildings

Emergency outages (such as major main breaks) can occur with less notice. In those cases, it is common to see:

• Crews working in the street
• Temporary boil water advisories in affected areas

When a boil water advisory is in effect, residents are generally advised to:

• Boil tap water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing food, or
• Use bottled water for those purposes until the advisory is lifted.

Leaks, Main Breaks, and Reporting Problems

Atlanta has many miles of aging water and sewer pipes, which means leaks and breaks do happen.

How to Tell If You Have a Leak at Home

Signs Atlanta residents often notice:

• A sudden, unexplained spike in the water bill
• Constant sound of running water when fixtures are off
• Wet spots or pooling in the yard
• Mold, dampness, or soft spots indoors

For suspected indoor leaks (toilets, faucets, pipes under sinks or in walls), a licensed plumber is usually your best first call.

For suspected service line or meter leaks near the street, you may need both:

• A plumber (if the leak is on your side of the meter), and
• The City of Atlanta (if the leak is in the public right-of-way or related to city infrastructure).

Reporting Street Leaks, Main Breaks, or Sewage Problems

Residents can report:

• Water pouring out of streets or sidewalks
• Sinkholes or severely eroded areas
• Sewage backups in streets or public areas
• Manhole overflows

Reports commonly go through the Department of Watershed Management or the city’s general non-emergency contact systems. When you call, be prepared to give:

• The exact location (nearest address or intersection)
• A description of what you see (water gushing, bubbling, slow leak, foul smell, etc.)
• How long it has been happening, if known

Stormwater, Flooding, and Drainage in Atlanta

Beyond drinking water and sewer, Atlanta’s water system also has a stormwater and drainage component. Heavy rains can cause street flooding, overflowing storm drains, and erosion, especially in low-lying areas and older neighborhoods.

Residents can help by:

• Keeping yard debris and trash out of storm drains
• Contacting the city about blocked drains or ditches
• Avoiding pouring chemicals, paint, oil, or grease into storm drains, sinks, or toilets

If you experience flooding on your property, it may involve a combination of:

• City stormwater infrastructure
• Property grading and drainage
• Private landscaping and building systems

Homeowners often work with both the city and private contractors or engineers to address long-term flooding issues.

Conservation and Using Water Wisely in Atlanta

Atlanta’s position in a relatively water-limited river basin means conservation is frequently emphasized. Common local practices include:

• Fixing leaky toilets and faucets promptly
• Using efficient fixtures and appliances
• Watering lawns in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
• Choosing native or drought-tolerant landscaping when possible

During dry periods, the city and state may implement outdoor watering guidelines or restrictions. Residents and businesses are expected to follow any posted rules, which may limit watering to specific days or times.

Helpful Contact and Action Summary for Atlanta Residents

Below is a quick reference section for key Atlanta city water topics:

Keeping this information handy can make it much easier to navigate Atlanta city water issues, from routine billing to unexpected leaks or advisories.