City of Atlanta Water: How It Works, What It Costs, and Who to Call

Atlanta’s water system touches almost every part of daily life here—whether you’re paying a bill, turning on a tap in Midtown, or planning a renovation in Southwest Atlanta. Understanding how City of Atlanta water works, how to manage your water and sewer bill, and where to get help can save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide walks through the essentials of City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management services, tailored to residents, property owners, and visitors.

Who Handles Water in the City of Atlanta?

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is the main agency responsible for:

• Drinking water treatment and delivery
• Wastewater (sewer) collection and treatment
• Stormwater management and drainage
• Water and sewer billing and customer service

Main Customer Service Location (commonly used):
Department of Watershed Management – Customer Service
72 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main customer service line): commonly listed on your bill or the city’s official site

For most residents, DWM is your water provider if you live inside the City of Atlanta city limits. Some nearby areas are served by county systems (like DeKalb or Fulton County Water), so if you’re near a boundary, checking your bill or asking your landlord is helpful.

Setting Up Water Service in Atlanta

New Residents or Property Owners

If you’re moving into a home or condo inside the city limits, you usually need to start water and sewer service with the City of Atlanta.

Expect to provide:

• Name and contact information
• Service address
• Lease, closing statement, or proof of occupancy (for owners)
• Identification details
• Sometimes a deposit, especially for rental accounts or new customers

You can typically open an account by:

• Calling the City of Atlanta Watershed Management customer service number on the city’s official website or on a sample bill
• Visiting a customer service office during business hours
• Using the city’s online customer portal if you prefer digital setup

Tip: 📝 If you’re renting, check your lease first. Some landlords keep water in their name and include it in the rent; others require you to put the account in your own name.

Visitors and Short-Term Rentals

If you’re just visiting Atlanta and staying in a hotel, short-term rental, or with family/friends, you don’t need to set up water service. You’ll simply use water through your host’s existing account.

Understanding Your City of Atlanta Water Bill

Most households receive a combined water and sewer bill from the City of Atlanta.

Common Charges on an Atlanta Water Bill

You may see:

• Water usage charges – based on how much water you use (often in units like hundreds or thousands of gallons)
• Sewer charges – usually based on water usage, assuming most water used indoors goes down the drain
• Stormwater fees – based on an estimate of how much runoff your property contributes
• Base or service charges – fixed charges to help maintain the system and meters
• Taxes or fees – smaller line items required by law or ordinance

Important: In Atlanta, sewer charges can be a large portion of the bill, sometimes larger than the water charge itself. That’s because Atlanta has invested heavily in repairing and upgrading an older sewer system.

Billing Frequency and Payment Options

• Bills are commonly issued monthly or on a regular cycle
• You can usually pay by:
  • Online portal
  • Mail
  • Phone payment system
  • In person at designated offices or payment centers

Late payment can lead to late fees, and continued non-payment can eventually result in service interruption, so it’s important to reach out early if you’re having trouble paying.

Water Quality in the City of Atlanta

Is Atlanta Tap Water Safe to Drink?

City of Atlanta drinking water is treated, disinfected, and tested regularly before it reaches homes and businesses. Treatment is handled at large facilities such as the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant and the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant, which draw from regional water sources.

Generally:

• Tap water in Atlanta is intended to be safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing
• The city monitors contaminants and disinfectant levels and must meet state and federal drinking water standards

Residents sometimes notice:

• Chlorine or “pool-like” taste or smell – from disinfection
• Slight color changes – often from minerals, sediment, or work on pipes
• Hardness or mineral buildup – depending on water chemistry and plumbing

Many Atlantans drink tap water directly; others use filters or pitchers for taste preferences.

If your water:

• Becomes suddenly discolored,
• Has a strong unusual odor, or
• Shows sediment or particles you haven’t seen before,

it’s reasonable to contact the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management customer service line and ask if there are known issues or maintenance in your area. They can guide you on next steps.

Lead, Old Pipes, and In-Home Plumbing

Like many older cities, Atlanta has some aging infrastructure and older buildings. Even when city water leaves the treatment plant within standards, in-home plumbing can affect water quality.

For example:

• Some older homes may still have old service lines, fixtures, or solder that can contribute trace metals
• Running the tap for a short period in the morning or after long periods of non-use can reduce water that’s been sitting in pipes

If you are concerned about your home’s plumbing or pipes, many residents talk with licensed plumbers or request water testing through private laboratories or official channels.

Common Water Issues in Atlanta Homes

Low Water Pressure

Atlanta households occasionally experience low water pressure, especially during:

• Construction or maintenance on nearby water mains
• Fire hydrant testing
• Peak usage times

If neighbors also have low pressure, it may be a system-wide or neighborhood issue. If it’s just your home or unit:

• Check easily accessible shutoff valves under sinks or near the water meter
• Look for visible leaks
• Ask your property manager or landlord if you’re in an apartment or condo

If the issue continues, contacting Watershed Management customer service or a licensed plumber is typical.

High Bills or Suspected Leaks

Unexpectedly high water and sewer bills are a common concern in Atlanta.

Possibilities include:

• Silent toilet leaks (often the biggest hidden culprit)
• Irrigation or outdoor hose leaks
• Underground or slab leaks
• Misreads or meter issues

Helpful steps:

• Check toilets: listen for running water or use simple dye tablets or food coloring in the tank to see if it leaks into the bowl
• Watch your meter: turn off all water, then see if the meter is still moving
• Review your usage history (many online portals allow this)

If you truly suspect an error or unexplained spike, you can:

• Call City of Atlanta water customer service to discuss your bill
• Ask about billing reviews, meter checks, or leak adjustment policies (some customers may qualify for partial bill adjustments one time or under certain conditions after leak repairs are documented)

Keep any plumber receipts or repair documentation in case they’re needed.

Sewer, Stormwater, and Drainage in Atlanta

Sewer Service and Backups

Atlanta’s sewer system collects wastewater from homes, businesses, and street drains and sends it to treatment plants.

If you experience:

• Sewage backing up into a home fixture
• Sewage visible in the street or yard
• A strong sewer odor from city manholes or public areas

you should report it as soon as possible, typically through:

• The City of Atlanta Watershed Management emergency or after-hours number, often listed on city materials
• 311 within the city, where available, to route the issue to the right department

For sewer backups inside your home, depending on the cause, responsibility may fall on:

• The property owner (for pipes on private property), or
• The city (for main lines in the street or right-of-way)

Many property owners consult licensed plumbers to diagnose whether the issue is on private lines or city lines.

Stormwater and Flooding

Atlanta’s terrain and heavy storms can cause:

• Street flooding
• Clogged storm drains
• Water pooling in low-lying yards or driveways

If a city storm drain is blocked with leaves, trash, or debris, residents often:

• Clear small, easily removable debris themselves if it’s safe to do so
• Contact the City of Atlanta if the blockage is large, dangerous, or tied to repeated flooding

If there’s recurring flooding on your property, you may need a combination of:

• City assistance or review of public drainage issues
• Private grading, gutters, or drainage improvements

Water Shutoffs, Emergencies, and Who to Call

Planned and Unplanned Outages

Water service in Atlanta can be interrupted due to:

• Planned maintenance on mains or valves
• Emergency repairs after a water main break
• Work on nearby construction projects

During these times, residents may experience low pressure, discoloration, or a complete loss of water.

Typical actions:

• Look for city notifications, door tags, or public announcements in affected areas
• Once service is restored, many residents run cold water taps for a short time to clear air and minor sediment

Emergency Leaks and Main Breaks

If you see:

• Water gushing from the street, sidewalk, or a city hydrant
• Sudden flooding in public areas

you can report it to:

• The Department of Watershed Management emergency number listed by the city
• 311 or the city’s non-emergency reporting channels

For private property leaks (inside your home, in your yard, or on your side of the meter), owners typically call plumbers directly. If you’re not sure whether a leak is on the city side or your side, customer service may offer guidance, and plumbers can often determine the source.

Water Service for Renters, Condo Owners, and Businesses

Renters in Atlanta

If you rent:

• Check your lease to see whether water is:
  • Included in rent
  • Billed back by the landlord
  • In your own name with the City of Atlanta
• If water is in your name, you interact directly with the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
• If water is in the landlord’s name and service is off or low, notify your landlord or property manager first, then follow up as needed

Condo and HOA Communities

In many Atlanta condos and townhome communities:

• The association may have one main water meter and divide costs among units
• You might pay water to the HOA rather than the city directly

For questions about individual usage, billing disputes, or leaks in shared walls or common areas, residents typically work with the association’s management company first and then with the city if needed.

Businesses and Commercial Properties

Businesses in Atlanta use the same water system but may face:

• Larger meters and different rate structures
• Special requirements for backflow prevention devices
• Additional coordination for kitchens, manufacturing, or medical uses

Business owners usually work directly with Watershed Management’s commercial customer service staff for account setup, rate details, and compliance.

Conservation and Managing Your Water Costs

With combined water and sewer charges, many Atlanta customers try to keep usage reasonable to help control bills.

Practical steps:

• Fix dripping faucets and running toilets promptly
• Use high-efficiency toilets and showerheads when renovating
• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Water lawns and landscaping in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
• Check outdoor spigots and irrigation systems for leaks, especially after winter or major yard work

The City of Atlanta periodically promotes conservation programs, rebate opportunities, or community outreach. Checking with Watershed Management or city communications can help you find current offerings.

Quick Reference: Key Atlanta Water Topics

If you live in, own property in, or plan to move to Atlanta, understanding how City of Atlanta water and sewer service operates helps you navigate billing, maintenance, and emergencies with more confidence. For any situation that feels urgent or unclear, contacting the Department of Watershed Management or dialing local city service lines is the most direct next step.