City of Atlanta Watershed Management: How Water and Sewer Service Work in Atlanta

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is the agency that handles drinking water, wastewater (sewer), stormwater, and related infrastructure for much of Atlanta. If you live in the city limits, are moving here, or manage property in Atlanta, this is the department that supplies your tap water, treats your sewage, and responds when there’s a water main break or billing issue.

Below is a clear guide to how Atlanta Watershed Management works, what services it provides, and how to get help when you need it.

What the Department of Watershed Management Does

Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management (often called DWM or “Atlanta Watershed”) is responsible for:

• Drinking water supply and treatment
• Water distribution (the pipes that bring water to your home or business)
• Wastewater collection and treatment (sewer system)
• Stormwater management (drains, culverts, and runoff systems)
• Water quality and regulatory compliance
• Customer service and billing for water/sewer accounts

If your water bill says City of Atlanta, you are a Watershed Management customer.

Service Area: Do You Get Water from Atlanta?

Not all homes with an “Atlanta” mailing address are served by the City of Atlanta. Parts of the metro area are served by DeKalb County, Fulton County, Cobb County, or other local water systems.

You are likely a City of Atlanta Watershed customer if:

• Your property is inside the City of Atlanta limits, and
• Your water/sewer bill is issued by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management.

If you’re unsure, look at:

• Your most recent water/sewer bill
• Your closing documents or lease
• Your online city account portal (if you set one up)

If your bill lists another county or city, you’ll need to contact that jurisdiction instead.

Main Atlanta Watershed Management Contacts

Here are the most commonly used official contact points:

Customer Service & Billing (24/7 line for many issues)

• Phone: 404-658-6500

Main Administration (typically for general inquiries, not emergencies)

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  72 Marietta Street NW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Because hours and walk-in options can change, it’s often best to call first or check recent information before heading to a physical office.

Starting, Stopping, or Transferring Water Service

If you’re moving into or out of Atlanta, you’ll need to set up or close your water/sewer account with the Department of Watershed Management.

Starting Service (New Residents or New Accounts)

Common steps typically include:

1. Confirm you’re in the service area
   Check your lease, landlord, or property manager to be sure the City of Atlanta is the water provider.

2. Gather documents
   You are usually asked for:

   • Government-issued photo ID
   • Lease, deed, or closing statement
   • Social Security number or tax ID (for many residential or commercial accounts)

3. Contact Customer Service
   Call 404-658-6500 to request new service. In many cases you can:

   • Open a residential account over the phone
   • Learn about any required deposits
   • Get your start date for service

4. Meter turn-on / account activation
   When you move in, the meter may already be on, or a technician may need to visit the property, especially if service was previously shut off.

Stopping Service (When You Move Out)

To avoid being billed after you leave:

1. Call 404-658-6500 before your move-out date.
2. Request a stop date for service and provide your forwarding mailing address.
3. Ask for a final bill and confirm how any remaining deposit will be handled.

Transferring Service Within Atlanta

If you move from one address in the city to another:

• Request a stop at the old address and a start at the new one during the same call.
• Be careful with dates so you’re not without water or double-billed.

Understanding Your Atlanta Water and Sewer Bill

Your City of Atlanta water bill typically includes:

• Water usage charges (based on how many gallons/cubic feet you use)
• Sewer charges (often related to water usage)
• Basic service fees
• Stormwater charges (often linked to property type and impervious surface areas)

Key Things to Look For on the Bill

• Account number: Needed when calling customer service.
• Service address vs. mailing address: Confirm they are correct.
• Billing period: So you know which dates the charges cover.
• Usage history: Can help you spot leaks or unusual spikes.

If your bill suddenly jumps and your habits haven’t changed, many Atlanta residents find it helpful to:

• Check for leaks (running toilets, dripping faucets, wet spots in the yard).
• Compare current usage to prior months.
• Call customer service to ask if there are known issues or to request a high-bill review.

Paying Your Atlanta Water Bill

You generally have multiple ways to pay a City of Atlanta Watershed bill:

• Online payment portal (using your account number)
• By phone: Using the automated system linked from 404-658-6500
• By mail: Mailing a check or money order to the payment address shown on your bill
• In person: At approved payment locations or city service centers (these can change, so confirm current options before going)

To avoid late fees, many customers set up:

• Auto-pay from a bank account or card
• Payment reminders near the due date

If you are having trouble paying your bill, it can be useful to call early and ask about:

• Payment arrangements
• Possible assistance or hardship programs administered or recognized by the city

Water Quality and Safety in Atlanta

The Department of Watershed Management is responsible for treating and distributing drinking water to meet safety and quality standards.

Routine Water Quality

For most customers, tap water in Atlanta is treated and monitored. If you’re concerned about taste, color, or odor, you can:

• Run the tap for a short time to flush the line
• Check if the issue is present at all faucets or just one
• Call 404-658-6500 for guidance or to report a water quality concern

The city also publishes water quality reports (often called consumer confidence reports) that describe typical treatment and monitoring outcomes. These are generally available from the Department of Watershed Management.

When to Contact the City About Water Quality

Call Watershed Management if you notice:

• Sudden discoloration (brown, yellow, or cloudy water)
• Strong or unusual odors
• Debris coming from the tap
• A rapid change in water pressure across your entire home

Provide as many details as possible, including time of day and whether neighbors are experiencing the same thing.

Reporting Water Emergencies and Issues

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management responds to:

• Water main breaks
• Loss of water service
• Sewer backups in streets or public areas
• Manhole overflows
• Significant water leaks in the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks)

Who to Call

For most water and sewer emergencies, call:

• 404-658-6500 (available 24/7 for many urgent issues)

When you call, be ready to describe:

• The exact location (nearby address, intersection, or landmark)
• What you’re seeing (gushing water, manhole overflowing, strong sewage odor, sinkhole, etc.)
• How long the issue has been going on

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety (such as a sinkhole swallowing a roadway), call 911 first, then report to Watershed Management.

Sewer Service, Backups, and Responsibility

Atlanta operates an extensive sewer collection system that carries wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities.

Sewer Backups on Your Property

If sewage is backing up:

• Inside your home through toilets, tubs, or floor drains, or
• On your property from a sewer cleanout or broken line

Action steps typically include:

1. Stop using water (to reduce more flow into the line).
2. Call 404-658-6500 to report the backup and ask if the problem is likely in a public main or private lateral.
3. If you are a homeowner or landlord, you may also need to contact a licensed plumber to inspect and clear lines that the city does not maintain.

Generally, the City is responsible for:

• The public sewer main in the street or right-of-way.

Property owners are usually responsible for:

• The sewer lateral line from the building to the city’s main, including lines within private property.

Because every situation is different, residents often find it helpful to get clarification from both Watershed Management and a plumber when there’s a serious backup.

Stormwater Management in Atlanta

Stormwater is the rainwater that runs off roofs, driveways, parking lots, and streets.

The Department of Watershed Management manages:

• Storm drains and inlets along city streets
• Certain creeks, culverts, and drainage structures
• Stormwater utility charges shown on water bills

Common Stormwater Issues

Residents sometimes contact Atlanta Watershed about:

• Clogged storm drains causing street flooding
• Erosion or drainage problems near city infrastructure
• Debris accumulation in public drainage channels

If you see a blocked storm drain or significant runoff problem in public areas, you can call 404-658-6500 to report it. For drainage problems inside your property lines, you may need a private contractor, but the city may provide guidance on what is and is not their responsibility.

Typical Reasons Atlanta Residents Contact Watershed Management

Here’s a quick overview of common situations and the usual first step:

Tips for New Atlanta Residents Using City Water 💧

If you’re new to Atlanta or just moved inside the city limits:

• Call early to start service before you move in; don’t assume water is already in your name.
• Take a photo of the water meter reading on move-in day, if you can safely access it.
• Review your first few bills closely so you understand your typical usage.
• If you plan heavy water use (filling a pool, pressure washing), you may want to track your meter before and after to understand costs.

Property Owners, Landlords, and Tenants

In Atlanta, who holds the water account can vary:

• Many landlords keep the account in their name and include water in rent.
• Some allow tenants to open accounts directly with the City of Atlanta.
• Property owners are ultimately responsible for liens related to unpaid water/sewer charges associated with the property.

If you rent:

• Clarify who pays the water bill before signing a lease.
• If the bill is in your name, make sure the account is transferred at move-out.

If you own a property:

• Monitor bills even if a tenant is responsible; unpaid balances can affect the property.
• Ensure your mailing address with Watershed Management is current, especially if you don’t live at the service address.

When You Need In-Person Help

While a lot can be handled by phone or online, some residents prefer or need in-person assistance for:

• Complex billing disputes
• Certain account verifications
• Submitting specific forms or documents

The main administrative offices are located at:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  72 Marietta Street NW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Because office hours and walk-in procedures can change, it’s usually best to call 404-658-6500 first to confirm where to go and what to bring.

Understanding how City of Atlanta Watershed Management works makes it easier to set up service, read your bill, and know what to do if there’s a water, sewer, or stormwater issue. For most questions, billing issues, and service requests, your first step is to contact the department’s customer service line at 404-658-6500 with your account number and address ready.