Water Quality in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 30 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Atlanta Watershed · Source: Chattahoochee River · Serves 498,715 residents

30
Hardness (PPM)
65
TDS (PPM)
1.3
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
30 PPM 0 400 Soft
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 30 PPM TDS 65 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.3 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Atlanta Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Chlorine tasteAging infrastructure

What Atlanta's Water Means for Your Home

Atlanta's water is soft at 30 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Atlanta, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Atlanta's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.3 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)30 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids65 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.3 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Atlanta's Water Supply

Water Utility: Atlanta Watershed

Water Source: Chattahoochee River

Population Served: 498,715

Hardness: 30 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Atlanta Watershed. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Atlanta to Other Georgia Cities

Augusta

46 PPM · Slightly Hard

Savannah

36 PPM · Slightly Hard

Columbus

32 PPM · Slightly Hard

Macon

40 PPM · Slightly Hard

Athens

37 PPM · Slightly Hard

Sandy Springs

57 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Water

Is Atlanta tap water safe to drink?
Atlanta's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Atlanta?
Probably not. At 30 PPM, Atlanta's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Atlanta?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Atlanta's water come from?
Atlanta's drinking water is sourced from Chattahoochee River and treated by Atlanta Watershed.
What is the hardness of Atlanta water in grains per gallon?
Atlanta's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 30 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as soft. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Atlanta water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Atlanta's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Atlanta water safe for babies and infants?
Atlanta's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Atlanta Watershed Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.