Fulton County Confirms Drinking Water Exceeds All Safety Standards
Fulton County Confirms Drinking Water Exceeds All Safety Standards
October 22, 2025
The Fulton County Department of Public Works is continuing its work to ensure that the county’s tap water is safe to drink.
The Fulton County Department of 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, the department says 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.
"Providing safe and reliable drinking water to our community is our top priority," said David Clark, Director of Public Work. "We can confirm the effectiveness of our rigorous testing and treatment processes when it comes to providing a clean and safe water supply. We are committed to transparency and want to assure all residents that their water is of the highest quality."
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. Fulton County appreciates your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor and maintain water quality.
For more information, please visit our website: https://fultoncountyga.gov/Services/Water-Services/Water-Quality
Following questions from residents in North Fulton County, the department says 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.
"Providing safe and reliable drinking water to our community is our top priority," said David Clark, Director of Public Work. "We can confirm the effectiveness of our rigorous testing and treatment processes when it comes to providing a clean and safe water supply. We are committed to transparency and want to assure all residents that their water is of the highest quality."
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. Fulton County appreciates your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor and maintain water quality.
For more information, please visit our website: https://fultoncountyga.gov/Services/Water-Services/Water-Quality