ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) maintains its position that the chemical spill from the South River Water Reclamation Center (SRWRC)did not cause the South River fish kill that occurred in June 2026. 

While DWM has reviewed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) recent investigative report, DWM disagrees with its conclusion that the Department’s operations caused the fish kill. Preliminary findings previously determined that the chemical spill from the South River Water Reclamation Center did not directly cause the fish kill, and DWM continues to believe there is insufficient evidence establishing a definitive causal connection between the incident and the observed fish mortality. 

From the outset of the investigation, DWM has fully cooperated with EPD and all regulatory agencies by providing operational records, environmental sampling data, and technical expertise. There is no direct evidence demonstrating that any chemicals reached the South River, and water quality samples collected by DWM following the incident were within normal ranges for iron concentrations. 

DWM remains committed to transparency, accountability, and a thorough, science-based review of all available evidence. Protecting Georgia’s waterways is central to DWM’s mission. We take every environmental incident seriously and have continued to evaluate and strengthen operational practices while supporting the ongoing review process. 

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