Atlanta, Georgia Water: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

Atlanta’s water touches almost everything in daily life: drinking, cooking, bathing, business operations, dining out, and recreation. Whether you live in the city, are moving here, or are just visiting, understanding how water works in Atlanta, Georgia can make life easier and help you navigate bills, quality concerns, and local resources with confidence.

How Atlanta’s Water System Is Set Up

Most people inside the City of Atlanta receive water and sewer service from the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. Some nearby areas are served by DeKalb County, Fulton County, or other local providers, but within city limits, Atlanta Watershed is usually the main utility.

Key agency for most city residents:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  Customer Service Center (walk-in): often referred to as the Atlanta City Hall Annex
  Main city government campus: near 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  General customer service phone: usually listed on your water bill and the city website

If your bill says “City of Atlanta,” you are under the city’s water system. If it lists another county or authority, you’ll follow that agency’s rules and contact channels.

Where Atlanta’s Drinking Water Comes From

Atlanta does not draw drinking water from underground wells on a large scale. Instead, the system is surface water–based, mainly using:

• Chattahoochee River – the primary source for much of the city
• Lake Lanier upstream – part of the broader regional supply system
• Local reservoirs – used for storage and backup supply

Water is treated at modern water treatment plants before it reaches taps. These facilities:

• Filter out sediment and particles
• Disinfect to remove or inactivate microbes
• Adjust pH and corrosion control to protect pipes and help maintain water quality

For everyday purposes like cooking, showering, and household use, water in Atlanta is treated to federal and state drinking water standards.

Is Atlanta Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Most consumers in Atlanta use tap water for drinking. The water utility regularly tests for:

• Microorganisms
• Disinfection byproducts
• Metals like lead and copper
• Basic measures such as pH, chlorine, and cloudiness (turbidity)

Each year, the City of Atlanta publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), sometimes called a drinking water quality report. This document summarizes which substances were detected and how levels compare to federal standards.

What this means for you:

• For most people in Atlanta, tap water is treated and monitored to meet federal and state drinking standards.
• You may notice chlorine taste or odor, especially near treatment plants or if you have not run a tap recently. Many residents use a simple pitcher or faucet filter to improve taste.
• Water quality can vary slightly by neighborhood due to local plumbing, pipe age, and how long water sits in the lines.

If you have specific health concerns, questions about contaminants, or live in an older home, you may wish to have your home plumbing or tap water tested by a certified lab. Local plumbers and some environmental health services can provide testing or referrals.

Common Water Quality Questions in Atlanta

Why does my tap water sometimes look cloudy?

Cloudiness in Atlanta tap water is often due to tiny air bubbles trapped in the water, especially when it is colder or under high pressure. You can do a quick check:

1. Fill a clear glass.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. If the cloudiness rises and clears from bottom to top, it’s usually just air.

If the water remains cloudy, discolored (brown/yellow), or has particles, contact Watershed Management Customer Service and avoid using discolored water for drinking or cooking until it clears and you’ve received guidance.

What about lead in Atlanta water?

The City of Atlanta treats water to help control corrosion, which reduces the chance of lead leaching from old pipes or fixtures. Still, lead, if present, usually comes from household plumbing, older service lines, or fixtures rather than from the treatment plant itself.

If your home or building was built many decades ago, you may want to:

• Run the tap for a short time (often called “flushing”) after water has been sitting unused.
• Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water can draw more metals from pipes.
• Consider a certified filter designed to reduce lead, if you have concerns.
• Request information from the city or a licensed plumber about your service line material.

For the most accurate picture, a lab test of your tap water can show whether lead is present in your home’s plumbing system.

How to Start, Stop, or Transfer Water Service in Atlanta

If you’re moving to Atlanta or changing addresses within the city, you’ll almost always go through the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management to manage service.

Starting Water Service

Typically, you’ll need:

• Your name and contact information
• Service address (where water will be used)
• A form of identification
• Sometimes a deposit, depending on account type and history

You can usually start service by:

• Calling the Watershed customer service line listed on the city’s site or your landlord’s information packet
• Using the city’s online water service portal, if available
• Visiting the customer service office in person near Atlanta City Hall

Service for rentals, single-family homes, condos, and businesses may have slightly different requirements, so check ahead if possible.

Stopping or Transferring Service

When you move out of an Atlanta residence:

• Contact the city to request final meter reading and closing of your account.
• Provide a forwarding address for your final bill or refund, if due.

If you’re moving within Atlanta, you’ll likely transfer service from one address to another, often with a scheduled start/stop date to avoid overlap or interruption.

Understanding Atlanta Water Bills

Atlanta water bills usually include both water and sewer charges. This can surprise newcomers, because sewer fees are often higher than the water usage itself.

What You’ll Commonly See on a Bill

• Water usage (in gallons or cubic feet)
• Sewer usage or fee (based largely on water consumption)
• Stormwater or environmental fees, depending on your property type
• Taxes or local fees, where applicable
• Past-due balances and any payment arrangements

Your bill will indicate:

• Billing period dates
• Due date
• Account number
• Accepted payment methods (online portal, mail, in person, phone payment, or authorized payment locations)

Why Atlanta Water Bills May Seem High

Some common reasons residents notice higher bills:

• Seasonal usage (summer irrigation, filling pools, extra laundry)
• Undetected leaks in toilets, irrigation systems, or under houses
• Estimated reads when meters cannot be read, later corrected
• Tiered rates, where higher volumes cost more per unit

If your bill seems unusually high, report it to customer service. You can:

• Request a meter re-read
• Ask about leak adjustments, if you’ve repaired a verified leak
• Set up a simple household check (such as checking the meter when all water is off to see if it’s still moving)

Paying Your Water Bill in Atlanta

The City of Atlanta usually offers multiple payment options:

• Online payment through the city’s water billing portal
• By mail, using the remittance address on your bill
• By phone, through an automated system or live agent
• In person, at the city’s customer service center or designated payment locations

If you’re facing difficulty paying:

• Ask about payment plans or extended due dates
• Inquire about any assistance programs for qualifying low-income or elderly customers
• Check whether nonprofit or community organizations in Atlanta offer limited water-bill help

Make sure you keep your account number handy, as you’ll need it for most payment or service inquiries.

Dealing With Water Outages, Leaks, and Emergencies

Atlanta occasionally experiences main breaks, low pressure, or localized outages, especially during extreme weather or construction.

What To Do If Your Water Suddenly Goes Out

1. Check your home’s fixtures to see if the issue is just one faucet or the whole property.
2. Ask a neighbor if they are experiencing the same problem.
3. Contact the City of Atlanta Watershed Management to report an outage, main break, or low pressure.
4. Follow any boil water advisories issued for your area.

When major system events occur, the city may announce:

• Boil water advisories for specific neighborhoods
• Temporary discolored water after main repairs
• Traffic impacts where crews are working in the street

Reporting Leaks or Main Breaks

You can help maintain the system by reporting:

• Water bubbling from the street or sidewalk
• Sudden pooling water with no obvious private cause
• Unusually low pressure across a whole block

Use the city’s non-emergency water line or 311-style service to report suspected main breaks or public-side plumbing issues. For leaks inside your property line, a licensed plumber is usually your first call.

Boil Water Advisories in Atlanta

Atlanta, like many cities, occasionally issues boil water advisories after events such as:

• Major water main breaks
• Unexpected treatment plant shutdowns
• Sudden drops in water pressure over a broad area

When advisories are in effect, residents and businesses in the affected area are generally advised to:

• Boil tap water for at least one full minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing food.
• Use bottled water as an alternative, if preferred.

Advisories are usually lifted once:

• Testing shows water quality is back within normal standards, and
• City officials publicly announce the “all clear” for the impacted neighborhoods.

If you’re unsure whether your address is affected, call the city’s information line or check local news and official announcements.

Stormwater, Flooding, and Rainwater in Atlanta

Being in the Piedmont region, Atlanta sees heavy rain events, and stormwater management is an important part of the local water picture.

Stormwater and Drainage

The City of Atlanta manages storm drains, culverts, and catch basins to reduce localized flooding. Residents can:

• Keep storm drains near their homes clear of leaves and debris
• Avoid dumping oils, chemicals, or trash into street drains or creeks
• Report blocked drains, washouts, or sinkholes to the city

Some properties may see stormwater fees on their bills, especially if they have large impervious surfaces like driveways or parking areas.

Flood-Prone Areas

Certain neighborhoods in and around Atlanta have low-lying areas or creeks that can overflow during intense storms. If you live in or are considering property in a flood-prone area, you may want to:

• Check local floodplain maps
• Ask your landlord or real estate agent about past flooding
• Consider flood preparedness, such as keeping valuables elevated in basements and knowing evacuation routes

Recreational Water in Atlanta: Lakes, Rivers, and Parks

Beyond tap water, Atlanta offers a variety of recreational water activities, usually in or near the metro area:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Just north and west of the city, popular for paddling, tubing, and fishing.
• Local lakes and reservoirs – Often used for boating and outdoor recreation, though many are outside city limits.
• City parks with water features – Such as splash pads, fountains, and small ponds across Atlanta’s neighborhoods.

Before swimming or wading in rivers or lakes, check current conditions and any posted advisories about water quality or hazards. Parks and recreation departments may periodically monitor bacterial levels or temporarily restrict use after heavy rains.

Bottled Water, Filters, and Alternatives in Atlanta

Many Atlantans use tap water directly, while others prefer filters or bottled water for taste or peace of mind.

Common options include:

• Pitcher-style filters – Simple and widely available for improving taste and reducing some contaminants.
• Faucet-mounted or under-sink filters – For households that want continuous filtered water at the tap.
• Refrigerator filters – Already built into many fridge models with water dispensers.
• Bottled water or refill stations – Used by some people who dislike the taste of tap water or are traveling.

If you choose a filter, pay attention to:

• Which substances the filter is certified to reduce (taste/odor only vs. lead, chlorine, sediments, etc.)
• Filter replacement schedules, so performance stays consistent

Water Conservation in Atlanta

Atlanta’s reliance on surface water, along with regional drought cycles, makes water conservation a recurring topic. While mandatory restrictions can vary by season and conditions, simple everyday practices help:

• Fix leaky toilets and faucets quickly
• Use efficient appliances (dishwashers, washing machines)
• Limit outdoor irrigation, especially midday in hot weather
• Choose native or drought-tolerant landscaping where possible
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down

Local agencies sometimes offer:

• Rebates for high-efficiency toilets or fixtures
• Educational materials on indoor and outdoor water-saving tips

Checking the city’s water conservation messaging before heavy outdoor use is wise, especially during extended dry periods.

Who to Contact About Water in Atlanta

Here is a quick reference overview of where to turn for common water-related needs within the City of Atlanta service area:

Having your address and water account number ready when you call will speed up most conversations.

By understanding how Atlanta, Georgia water is sourced, treated, billed, and managed, you can make more informed choices—whether you are turning on service for the first time, questioning a bill, navigating a boil water advisory, or simply deciding whether to drink from the tap or use a filter while you are in the city.