Sinkholes in Atlanta, Georgia: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

Sinkholes occasionally make the news in metro Atlanta, usually after a road suddenly caves in or a yard develops a mysterious hole. While Atlanta is not a classic “sinkhole hotspot” like parts of Florida, they do happen here—and when they do, they can be disruptive and dangerous.

This guide explains why sinkholes form in Atlanta, what areas are most at risk, how to recognize warning signs, and what to do if you see one—whether it’s in a city street, your neighborhood, or on private property.

How Common Are Sinkholes in Atlanta?

In and around Atlanta, most sinkholes are:

• Small to moderate in size
• Often linked to aging or damaged underground infrastructure (water, sewer, storm drains)
• Found in streets, parking lots, and older neighborhoods
• Sometimes triggered by heavy rain or burst pipes

North and central Georgia do have some karst geology (limestone and similar rocks that can dissolve over time), but much of Atlanta’s sinkhole activity is human-made or human-influenced, not purely natural.

So while giant, sudden, natural sinkholes are less common here than in other regions, infrastructure-related collapses and subsidence are realistic concerns—especially in older parts of the city.

Why Sinkholes Form in Atlanta

Sinkholes in Atlanta generally come from one or a mix of these causes:

1. Failing Underground Pipes and Infrastructure

A very common pattern in Atlanta is:

• Aging clay or cast-iron sewer pipes crack or collapse
• Storm drains or water lines leak over time
• Moving water washes away soil beneath streets, sidewalks, or yards
• The surface eventually caves in, sometimes after a heavy storm

These failures often show up as:

• Road depressions or potholes that keep returning
• Soft or spongy ground over buried lines
• Sudden collapses after intense rain

In Atlanta, this is one reason you often see sinkholes or large voids near manhole covers, in older streets, or close to known utility corridors.

2. Old Construction, Tunnels, and Fill Material

Some parts of Atlanta have:

• Old building foundations or buried construction debris
• Old culverts or abandoned pipes that were left in place
• Areas filled in with loose or poorly compacted soil

Over time, this material settles or erodes, creating voids that can collapse. This can show up as:

• Yard depressions where old septic tanks or wells once existed
• Sinkholes near old structures, retaining walls, or filled gullies

3. Natural Geology and Karst Features

Certain areas in north and central Georgia have limestone or similar rock that can dissolve over long periods. Where that rock is present underground, sinkholes can form naturally as:

• Water slowly dissolves bedrock
• Cavities form and grow
• The soil above them finally gives way

In the Atlanta region, natural karst-related sinkholes are less common than infrastructure-related ones, but they can still occur, especially on the outer edges of metro Atlanta where bedrock conditions vary.

Where in Atlanta Are Sinkholes Most Likely?

Sinkholes can form almost anywhere, but patterns in Atlanta include:

• Older Intown Neighborhoods
  Areas with older water and sewer systems—like parts of West End, Kirkwood, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, and Southwest Atlanta—may see more issues from failing pipes and long-term soil erosion.

• Roadways and Intersections
  Many newsworthy sinkholes in Atlanta appear on busy streets, intersections, or near storm drains. These are often quickly addressed by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management or the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), depending on jurisdiction.

• Low-Lying and Poorly Drained Areas
  Neighborhoods with drainage problems, flooding, or chronic standing water may be more prone to soil washout and eventual sinkhole formation.

• Developed Land Over Old Fill
  Some lots built over old landfills, filled gullies, or former industrial sites may have long-term settlement issues that can resemble or lead to sinkholes.

Not every depression is a true sinkhole, but any sudden or growing hole deserves attention.

Common Signs a Sinkhole May Be Forming

In Atlanta, warning signs often show up over days, weeks, or months before a visible collapse. Watch for:

• In Yards or Around Homes

  • A new, circular depression in the yard
  • Soil that feels soft, spongy, or hollow underfoot
  • Cracks in the ground that keep widening
  • Tilting fences, leaning trees, or shifting outbuildings
  • Sudden changes in how water drains or puddles

• In Streets, Sidewalks, and Parking Lots

  • A pothole that reopens repeatedly after repair
  • Asphalt that’s sagging or cracking in a ring pattern
  • Depressions near manholes, storm drains, or water valves
  • A visible hole that looks deeper than a typical pothole

• In Buildings

  • New cracks in walls, foundations, or floors
  • Doors and windows suddenly sticking or misaligning
  • Uneven floors or separation between walls and ceilings

These signs don’t automatically mean a sinkhole, but in Atlanta they are often related to soil movement, water leaks, or structural issues that should be evaluated.

What To Do If You Spot a Possible Sinkhole in Atlanta

Your response depends on where the sinkhole is and whether there’s immediate danger.

1. If It’s in a Public Street, Sidewalk, or Park

If you see a sudden hole or suspect a forming sinkhole:

1. Stay back. Do not stand near the edge; sinkholes can widen without warning.
2. Warn others nearby to keep clear.
3. Report it promptly to the appropriate authority.

For locations inside the City of Atlanta:

• Emergency danger to life or property (road collapse, vehicle hazard, people at risk):
  • Call 911 immediately.
• Non-emergency sinkholes or depressions in streets or sidewalks:
  • Call the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management customer service line: (404) 546-0311
  • Or call ATL 311 (dial 3-1-1 within city limits or (404) 546-0311 from outside) to report an issue.

For state routes and interstates in the Atlanta area:

• Contact the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) general information line: (404) 631-1990
• If the sinkhole creates an immediate driving hazard on a highway, call 911 so law enforcement can coordinate with GDOT.

If you’re in unincorporated Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, or Gwinnett County, and the issue is on a county road, you can contact the relevant county public works or transportation department. Many residents first report issues through their county’s non-emergency services or 311 system (where available).

2. If It’s on Your Property (Home or Business)

If a hole opens up in your yard, driveway, or near your building:

1. Keep people and pets away.
   Mark off the area with cones, rope, or visible objects if you can do so safely.

2. Document what you see.
   Take photos and notes on:

   • Size and shape of the hole
   • Changes over time (getting larger, deeper, or wider)
   • Any associated cracks or damage

3. Check for immediate danger.

   • If the hole is close to your home’s foundation, gas lines, or major utilities, or you notice sudden structural changes, consider calling 911 for urgent safety concerns.
   • If there’s no obvious immediate danger, treat it as urgent but not an emergency.

4. Contact your utility providers if you suspect a pipe issue.

   • Water or sewer leaks can trigger sinkholes; in the City of Atlanta, call the Department of Watershed Management at (404) 546-0311 to report suspected leaks or sewer line failures.

5. Reach out to your insurance company.

   • Explain what you’re seeing and ask what documentation or inspections they require.
   • Coverage for sinkhole damage varies; it’s important to clarify before authorizing major repairs.

6. Hire qualified local professionals.

   • A licensed geotechnical engineer or structural engineer can evaluate the cause and risk.
   • Depending on findings, a foundation repair contractor or sitework contractor may be needed for remediation.

Avoid trying to fill a significant hole yourself with loose dirt or debris. That often masks the problem instead of solving it, and can complicate insurance or professional evaluations.

Who Handles Sinkholes in Atlanta? Key Agencies and Contacts

Here is a simplified overview of who typically deals with sinkholes in and around Atlanta:

⚠️ Always treat an actively growing hole or sudden collapse as a safety risk until evaluated.

How Repairs Typically Work in Atlanta

The repair process depends on the size of the sinkhole and its cause.

For Public Roads and Infrastructure

When a sinkhole forms in a public right-of-way:

1. Officials secure the area.
   Barriers, cones, and detours keep vehicles and pedestrians away.

2. Crews investigate the cause.
   They may:

   • Inspect nearby water, sewer, and storm lines
   • Use cameras to inspect pipes underground
   • Excavate to expose the failed area

3. They fix the root problem.
   This can include:

   • Replacing broken pipes or collapsed culverts
   • Relining or reinforcing older utility lines
   • Improving stormwater flow

4. Backfilling and resurfacing.
   The void is filled with proper materials and compacted, then the street or sidewalk is resurfaced.

In busy areas of Atlanta, this work may be done rapidly to minimize disruption, but major failures can still take days or weeks.

For Private Property

On private land, repairs can include:

• Soil stabilization:
  Filling the cavity with engineered fill, grout, or concrete mix.

• Drainage improvements:
  Redirecting or managing surface water to prevent erosion.

• Utility repairs:
  Fixing broken or leaking water/sewer lines if they contributed to the sinkhole.

• Foundation underpinning (if needed):
  If a building is affected, specialized foundation supports may be installed.

Because private-property repairs are usually the owner’s responsibility, it’s important to:

• Involve your insurance company early
• Get professional assessments before choosing a repair method
• Avoid quick, cosmetic “patches” that don’t address deeper issues

Reducing Your Sinkhole Risk as an Atlanta Property Owner

While you can’t eliminate all risk, you can lower the chances of serious problems:

• Know your property’s history.

  • Ask about old wells, septic tanks, or buried structures
  • Check for previous repairs or chronic drainage problems

• Watch your water usage and drainage.

  • Fix known plumbing leaks promptly
  • Maintain gutters, downspouts, and yard drainage to limit soil erosion

• Pay attention after heavy rain.

  • Inspect your yard, driveway, and nearby streets for new depressions or soft spots
  • Watch for standing water where it didn’t use to collect

• Address recurring cracks or settlement early.

  • Repeated cracking in driveways, patios, or foundations can signal underlying soil movement

If you notice gradual but consistent changes—sinking areas, doors going out of alignment, or worsening cracks—consider consulting a local structural or geotechnical engineer familiar with Atlanta’s soil and infrastructure conditions.

Visiting Atlanta? What You Really Need To Know

If you’re just visiting Atlanta, you generally don’t need to worry about sinkholes on a daily basis. Local governments and agencies actively monitor and repair major issues, especially:

• On interstates like I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector
• On major city streets and intersections
• In prominent public spaces and parks

For visitors, the most practical advice is:

• Treat any barricaded or coned-off area in streets or sidewalks seriously.
• If you see a sudden hole or collapse in a public place, keep your distance and notify nearby staff or call 911 if no one is responding.

Key Takeaways About Sinkholes in Atlanta, Georgia

• Sinkholes do occur in Atlanta, but they are more often related to aging infrastructure and water leaks than purely natural geological collapse.
• They most often show up in roads, older neighborhoods, and areas with drainage or utility problems.
• Warning signs include new depressions, soft ground, recurring potholes, and structural shifting.
• On public property, report suspected sinkholes to:
  • ATL 311 / City of Atlanta DWM – (404) 546-0311 inside city limits
  • 911 for immediate danger
  • GDOT – (404) 631-1990 for state routes and interstates
• On private property, keep clear, document the issue, contact your insurance company, and seek help from qualified engineers and contractors.

Understanding how sinkholes work in Atlanta—and how city agencies typically respond—can help you act quickly and safely if you ever encounter one.