Atlanta Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Atlanta tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 30 ppm (1.8 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
1.8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Atlanta Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Atlanta tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
8 contaminants were tested in Atlanta's water. 6 were detected — all within EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 4 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFBA at 7.35 ppt.
Lead — Lead (1.4 ppb) is at 9% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.1M people in the Atlanta area.
Based on publicly available data from TODO: Add from CCR. Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Atlanta water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How Hard is Atlanta Water?
30 ppm
1.8 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 464 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Atlanta tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Atlanta
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.4 ppb
Atlanta lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHXA | 3.88 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 - 6/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 3.9 ppt Range: 0-4.8 UCMR5 - 6/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 7.35 ppt Range: 0-8.3 UCMR5 - 2/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 3.73 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 - 3/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 3.88 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 - 6/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/12 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/12 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 3.9 ppt Range: 0-4.8 UCMR5 - 6/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Atlanta's Water?
Utility Name
ATLANTA
EPA System ID (PWSID)
GA1210001
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.1M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Atlanta tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Georgia
Buford
Soft water
Columbus
Soft water
Cumming
Soft water
Savannah
Moderate water
Augusta
Soft water
Newnan
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()