Water Quality in Sandy Springs, GA

Sandy Springs's water has PFAS above EPA limits (6 ppt). An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

Fulton County Water · Source: Chattahoochee River · Serves 108,080 residents

57
Hardness (PPM)
71
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
6
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
57 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 57 PPM TDS 71 PPM PFAS 6 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Sandy Springs Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
PFAS above EPA limit

Sandy Springs receives treated Chattahoochee River water through the Fulton County system. Water is soft.

What Sandy Springs's Water Means for Your Home

Sandy Springs's water is slightly hard at 57 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 Sandy Springs, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Sandy Springs. At 6 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)57 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids71 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)6 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Sandy Springs Homes

🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 6 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About Sandy Springs's Water Supply

Water Utility: Fulton County Water

Water Source: Chattahoochee River

Population Served: 108,080

Hardness: 57 PPM (3.3 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Fulton County Water. 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 Sandy Springs to Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta

30 PPM · Soft

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Springs Water

Is Sandy Springs tap water safe to drink?
Sandy Springs's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. 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 Sandy Springs?
Probably not. At 57 PPM, Sandy Springs'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 Sandy Springs?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Sandy Springs's water come from?
Sandy Springs's drinking water is sourced from Chattahoochee River and treated by Fulton County Water. Sandy Springs receives treated Chattahoochee River water through the Fulton County system. Water is soft.
What is the hardness of Sandy Springs water in grains per gallon?
Sandy Springs's water hardness is 3.3 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 57 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Sandy Springs water damage tankless water heaters?
At 3.3 GPG, Sandy Springs'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 Sandy Springs water safe for babies and infants?
Sandy Springs'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 Fulton County Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.