NEWS RELEASE

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is aware that some residents have recently reported an unusual taste and odor in their drinking water. These temporary changes are commonly associated with seasonal shifts, particularly during the fall and spring months.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the reported taste and odor concerns are likely associated with low levels of naturally occurring organic compounds — Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin. These substances are found in surface water sources such as the Chattahoochee River and can occasionally impact how water tastes or smells. Although noticeable, these compounds are not harmful and do not pose any health risks. DWM has initiated manual feeding of powdered activated carbon (PAC) at its water treatment plants. PAC is commonly used to control naturally occurring compounds that can affect taste and smell.

DWM’s Water Quality team has confirmed that the City’s drinking water remains safe to consume and continues to meet or exceed all standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. DWM conducts more than 50,000 water quality tests annually, screening for more than 150 potential contaminants to ensure the safety and reliability of the water system.

Residents seeking additional information about Atlanta’s drinking water quality may visit: https://atlantawatershed.org/water-quality-faqs/. For the latest information, please refer to local news outlets and connect with us on our social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Instagram @ATLWatershed.

###

www.atlantawatershed.org