Each year, Fulton County publishes the Water Quality Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which presents the analysis of the drinking water as well as other important and interesting information. We are especially happy to report that the quality of our water is excellent, having met or exceeded the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Read the whole report here.

Fulton County Water is safe to drink

Public Works is continuing its work to ensure that the county’s tap water is safe to drink. 

Following questions from residents in North Fulton County, we want to inform that any recent change in the taste or smell of your Fulton County water, is likely being caused by the annual turnover in the Lake Lanier-Chattahoochee River system. This natural seasonal process causes an increase of two different compounds in the water: 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin. 

While these compounds do not pose any risk to human health, and our drinking water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal standards, the compounds can cause an earthy or musty taste and smell even at low concentrations. Please know your water is safe to drink.

The source for Fulton County’s drinking water system is the Chattahoochee River. This surface water supply is processed at the Tom Lowe Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Plant (Tom Lowe AFCWTP), which is located in Johns Creek.

The Tom Lowe AFCWTP uses activated carbon to remove these compounds, however higher-than-usual levels this year have caused some customers to notice the taste or odor issues. We are actively testing and monitoring the water in the reservoirs as well as the water leaving the treatment facility and entering the distribution system. Additionally, we are addressing the situation by adjusting activated carbon levels, and we expect the taste and odor to return to normal soon. In the meantime, a home carbon filter such as a pitcher filter may help decrease the levels of these compounds and improve taste. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor and maintain water quality.

Taste and Odor Concerns

Fulton County Public Works has received reports of a noticeable taste and odor in drinking water from customers in the service area north of the Chattahoochee River. The taste and odor may be described as "musty" or "earthy." We want to reassure our customers that while this taste and odor may be unpleasant, it is harmless. These changes are a natural occurrence due to the seasonal turnover of our water source from the Lake Lanier-Chattahoochee River system, which flows into the Atlanta-Fulton County raw water reservoir. During the fall and spring, the water layers naturally mix, sometimes releasing compounds that affect taste and smell. However, please be assured that the water continues to meet our high safety standards.

To address this issue, the Tom Lowe Water Plant is adding activated carbon to the water treatment process, which will improve the odor and taste. Additionally, our Fulton County Operations team is flushing the distribution system to clear out any affected water. While these steps are underway, please note that the process may take a few weeks, and we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the situation.

For any questions, please call 404-612-9426. Thank you for your understanding.

Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP)

Fulton County Department of Public Works received a source water assessment study for our drinking water supply, the Chattahoochee River. The assessment reviewed adjacent land uses that pose a potential risk to the river. The assessment found the Chattahoochee River watershed to have a medium risk of potential pollutant loads.

Read the full source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) report here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Fulton County Public Works offers several opportunities for volunteers to get involved and help to maintain and improve our water quality. Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more.