Atlanta’s tap water is generally safe to drink, meeting or exceeding all health-based quality standards set by federal and state regulatory bodies. Public water systems are subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates strict testing and treatment protocols. The city continually monitors water quality to ensure compliance with these national requirements before the water reaches the distribution system, confirming it is treated to remove harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Atlanta’s Water Source and Purification
Atlanta’s drinking water is primarily sourced from surface water, with the Chattahoochee River serving as the main supply for the metropolitan area. This source is supplemented by water captured and stored in reservoirs. Reliance on surface water makes the supply susceptible to contaminants from the upstream watershed, requiring sophisticated treatment.
The purification process involves multiple physical and chemical steps designed to clean the raw river water. Chemicals are added to cause smaller particles to clump together in a process called coagulation and flocculation. The heavier clumps, or “floc,” are then allowed to settle out in large basins during sedimentation.
After settling, the water is passed through filters composed of materials like sand and gravel to physically remove remaining microscopic particles. Disinfection is the final step, where chlorine or chloramine is added to eliminate pathogens. This ensures the water remains protected as it travels through the extensive network of pipes.
Regulatory Oversight and Quality Reporting
The safety of Atlanta’s water is guaranteed by regulatory oversight, beginning with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA establishes the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for over 90 different substances under the Safe Drinking Water Act. In Georgia, the state Environmental Protection Division (EPD) enforces these federal regulations.
The Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is directly responsible for treating and testing the water supply. The DWM conducts over 50,000 tests annually, screening for a wide array of potential contaminants. This frequent testing confirms that the treated water leaving the plants adheres to the strict health-based standards established by the EPA.
Every year, the DWM publishes a detailed Annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report lists all regulated substances detected in the water supply and compares the measured levels against the legally mandated MCLs. The CCR allows residents to understand the quality of their drinking water.
Health Concerns and Specific Contaminants
While treatment plants deliver compliant water, certain contaminants related to the distribution infrastructure remain a concern. Lead is rarely present in the source water but can enter drinking water as it passes through older service lines and household plumbing. The risk is highest in homes built before 1986, and the city manages this by adding corrosion inhibitors to prevent lead from leaching out of pipes.
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) are another class of compounds that are closely monitored. These form when the chlorine used for disinfection reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. Although necessary for pathogen control, DBP levels are strictly regulated because long-term exposure to elevated concentrations can pose health risks.
Emerging contaminants like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are not yet fully regulated but are being monitored under new EPA initiatives. While Atlanta’s monitoring efforts have not detected these chemicals above the proposed federal limits, they represent an ongoing challenge that utilities must prepare to address through future treatment upgrades.
Improving Water Quality at Home
Home filtration systems offer a solution for residents who wish to enhance their tap water quality beyond the municipal standard. Simple pitcher filters or faucet-mounted devices that use activated carbon can effectively reduce the presence of chlorine, which often causes objectionable taste or odor, making the water more appealing to drink.
For contaminants like lead or specific DBPs, certified point-of-use filters offer a higher level of treatment. Products with NSF International certifications provide assurance that the system will perform as advertised for the removal of specific contaminants. Installing a filter is advisable for households with children or pregnant individuals, who are more susceptible to lead exposure.
A simple practice that minimizes potential lead exposure is to flush the tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking, especially if the water has been stagnant overnight. If a temporary boil water advisory is issued, residents should heed the warning to ensure safety following an event like a water main break or pressure loss.