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

Living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia means depending on a complex but well-organized water system. From the tap water in your Midtown apartment to the drinking fountains at Hartsfield-Jackson, most of what you use is managed by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and regional water utilities.

This guide breaks down how Atlanta water works, who manages it, how to set up and pay your bill, and what to do if you have problems—all with a specific focus on the Atlanta area.

How Atlanta’s Water System Works

Where Atlanta’s Water Comes From

Most of Atlanta’s drinking water comes from nearby surface water sources, primarily:

• Chattahoochee River
• Local reservoirs such as Lake Lanier (regional supply) and city-managed storage facilities

Water is collected, treated at water treatment plants, and then distributed through an extensive network of pipes to homes, businesses, and public facilities.

Key treatment facilities serving the City of Atlanta include:

• Hemphill Water Treatment Plant – serves much of northwest and central Atlanta
  650 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant – serves parts of north and west Atlanta
  3800 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

These facilities are overseen by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM).

Who Manages Water in Atlanta?

The organization you deal with depends mostly on whether you live inside the City of Atlanta limits or in nearby metro areas.

Inside the City of Atlanta

If your home or business is within the city limits, your drinking water, sewer, and stormwater are typically managed by:

City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
72 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Customer Service (often called ATL311 for city services): 3-1-1 (inside city) or 404-546-0311

This department handles:

• Water service connections and disconnections
• Water and sewer billing
• Leak investigations and meter checks
• Water quality complaints and testing requests
• Sewer backups and main breaks
• Stormwater and drainage issues on public property

Outside or Near Atlanta (Metro Area)

If you have an Atlanta mailing address but live in a surrounding county, your water provider may be one of these county utilities:

• Fulton County Public Works (Water Services) – north and south Fulton areas outside the City of Atlanta
• DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management – many east side communities
• Cobb, Clayton, or Gwinnett County water departments – depending on your location

Your water bill or property tax records usually list the correct provider.

Is Atlanta Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Tap water in most parts of Atlanta is treated to meet federal and state drinking water standards. Many residents and visitors drink it directly from the tap or with home filtration. However, water quality can vary slightly by location, plumbing condition, and building age.

Key points to understand:

• Regulated Standards: Drinking water is required to meet federal standards for contaminants such as lead, disinfection byproducts, and microorganisms.
• Treatment: Water from the Chattahoochee and other sources is filtered, disinfected, and tested regularly.
• Older Buildings: Homes with older plumbing may have aging pipes or fixtures that can affect taste, color, or lead levels.

If you are concerned about your water:

• You can contact the City of Atlanta DWM and request information about testing options.
• Many residents use a certified home water filter (pitcher, faucet, or under-sink) as an extra precaution or to improve taste.
• If your water is discolored, has an unusual odor, or suddenly changes, it’s reasonable to call customer service and ask for investigation.

Common Atlanta Water Issues and What to Do

1. Low Pressure or No Water

If you suddenly lose water or notice very low pressure:

1. Check with neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue.
2. Look for visible leaks on your property.
3. Contact Atlanta Watershed Customer Service:
   • Inside city limits: Dial 3-1-1
   • Outside or from cell: 404-546-0311

If it’s a widespread issue (like a main break), the city often posts notices or updates through ATL311 and local media.

2. Discolored or Cloudy Water

Common causes in Atlanta include disturbed sediment in pipes after main repairs or hydrant flushing.

Typical recommendations from local utilities often include:

• Run cold water for several minutes from a bathtub or another high-flow faucet.
• Avoid using hot water until it clears, to keep sediment out of your water heater.
• If it persists, contact the Department of Watershed Management and provide:
  • Your address
  • When the issue began
  • Whether it affects all faucets or only certain ones

3. Unusual Taste or Odor

Atlanta residents sometimes notice:

• A chlorine-like smell or taste (often related to disinfection)
• A musty or earthy note at certain times of the year, connected to natural changes in the river or reservoirs

If the taste or odor changes suddenly or becomes strong:

• Call ATL311 / 404-546-0311
• Ask whether there are any known treatment changes or system issues in your area
• Consider using a carbon-based filter if you’re sensitive to taste or smell

4. High Water Bills or Suspected Leak

If your bill suddenly spikes:

• Check for:
  • Running toilets
  • Dripping faucets
  • Wet spots in the yard or near the foundation
• Take a meter reading, wait an hour with all water off, and check again. If it changes, there may be a leak.
• Contact Customer Service to:
  • Ask about unusual usage on your account
  • Request a meter recheck or leak investigation
  • Inquire about billing adjustments if a qualifying leak is repaired

Setting Up, Changing, and Paying for Water Service in Atlanta

Starting or Stopping Service (City of Atlanta Accounts)

If you move into or out of a home or apartment within city limits, you generally need to contact the Department of Watershed Management to:

• Open a new account
• Close an existing account
• Transfer service between addresses

Steps typically involve:

1. Providing photo ID and proof of residence (lease, deed, or settlement statement).
2. Sharing your move-in or move-out date.
3. Confirming mailing address and contact information.
4. Paying any required deposit, if applicable.

You can usually manage this by phone, online portal (if available), or at a designated service center.

Paying Your Atlanta Water Bill

The City of Atlanta offers several common payment options:

• Online payment portal (for enrolled accounts)
• By mail – using the remit address listed on your bill
• In person – at designated city payment centers or authorized payment locations
• By phone – using automated systems or customer service

If you’re having trouble paying your bill:

• Ask about payment plans or assistance programs that may be available based on income, age, or hardship.
• Follow up early if you receive a shutoff notice; utilities often have specific procedures and timelines before disconnection.

Boil Water Advisories and Water Emergencies in Atlanta

Because Atlanta relies heavily on surface water and a complex infrastructure, main breaks, storms, or system issues can occasionally lead to:

• Boil water advisories
• Temporary service interruptions
• Pressure drops that affect certain neighborhoods

If a boil water advisory is issued for your area, the city generally advises:

• Boiling tap water for at least one full minute before using it for:
  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Making ice
  • Brushing teeth
• Using bottled water if boiling is not practical
• Following city updates on when the advisory is lifted

To stay informed:

• Monitor local news outlets and city announcements
• Sign up for Atlanta emergency alerts if you live within city limits
• Check for ATL311 updates related to water

Stormwater, Flooding, and Drainage in Atlanta

With frequent heavy rains and a lot of paved surfaces, stormwater is a big concern in Atlanta.

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management also manages:

• Storm drains and catch basins on public streets
• Certain creeks, channels, and culverts
• Programs aimed at reducing flooding and erosion

If you notice:

• A clogged storm drain
• Street flooding that’s not receding
• Erosion around public drainage structures

You can report it to ATL311 / 404-546-0311 with details and location.

On private property, property owners are typically responsible for:

• Gutters and downspouts
• Private drainage lines
• Grading issues and yard flooding not caused by city infrastructure

Atlanta Water and Sewer: What Residents Pay For

Your Atlanta water bill (if you are a city customer) often includes charges for:

• Water usage – based on meter readings
• Sewer service – often calculated from water usage, assuming much of it returns to the sewer system
• Stormwater fees – sometimes based on property characteristics (more common for homeowners)

For homeowners in the city:

• Sewer charges can be a significant portion of the bill.
• You may request checks if you have large outdoor usage (such as irrigation) that doesn’t enter the sewer; there are sometimes special meter or billing options for that, depending on current city programs.

If you question any part of your bill:

• Call Customer Service and ask for a billing review.
• Keep copies of your bills, meter photos, and any plumber reports if a leak is involved.

Recreational Water in Atlanta: Lakes, Rivers, and Fountains

Beyond tap water, Atlanta offers several ways to enjoy water for recreation:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (north of the city) – for paddling, fishing, and trails
• Piedmont Park – features Lake Clara Meer and splash pad areas
• City splash pads and pools – operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation

These waters are managed under different health and safety rules than the drinking water system. For swimming, wading, or boating areas:

• Check posted signs about water quality or closures.
• Follow any local guidance regarding bacteria levels or pollution after heavy rain.

Quick Reference: Key Atlanta Water Contacts

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• New to Atlanta? Confirm whether you’re inside city limits or in a county area—this determines your water provider.
• Renting an apartment? Ask your landlord or property manager:
  • Who handles the water account (you or them)?
  • Whether water is individually metered or included in rent.
• Homeowner in an older neighborhood? Consider having a licensed plumber inspect your lines, especially if you notice recurring discolored water or low pressure at only one fixture.
• During heavy storms: Avoid driving through flooded underpasses or low-lying streets; Atlanta’s drainage system can be temporarily overwhelmed in intense downpours.
• Visiting the city? Tap water in hotels and restaurants is generally safe to drink and is regularly monitored under local regulations. If you prefer, filtered or bottled options are widely available.

By understanding how Atlanta water is sourced, treated, and managed—and knowing who to call when something doesn’t look right—you can navigate everyday life in the city with more confidence and fewer surprises.