Chattahoochee River

River · Southeast

Serves 17 cities in our database · ~7,321,584 residents

33
Avg Hardness (PPM)
12.6
Avg PFAS (ppt)
1.9
Avg Lead (ppb)
17
Cities Served
Soft
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
33 PPM Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 33 PPM TDS 59 PPM PFAS 12.6 ppt Lead 1.9 ppb Chlorine 1.4 mg/L Nitrate 0.9 mg/L

About Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River provides drinking water to metro Atlanta and communities across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The tri-state water wars over the Chattahoochee have been litigated for decades.

Geography & Hydrology

The river originates near Brasstown Bald in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows 430 miles to the Apalachicola River in Florida. Lake Lanier, the primary reservoir for Atlanta, was created in 1956 and holds 38.5 billion gallons.

How Chattahoochee River Water Is Treated

Conventional treatment with coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorine or chloramine disinfection. Atlanta operates three major treatment plants processing over 200 million gallons per day.

Across the 17 cities we track, water from Chattahoochee River averages 33 PPM hardness (Slightly Hard), ranging from 15 to 61 PPM. This is relatively soft water - a water softener is generally not needed.

PFAS concern: Cities supplied by Chattahoochee River average 12.6 ppt PFAS, exceeding the 2024 EPA limit of 4 ppt. An NSF P473 certified filter is recommended for drinking water.

Current Challenges

Increasing demand from rapid population growth, tri-state water allocation disputes (Georgia vs. Alabama vs. Florida), urban stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows during heavy rain, and PFAS from upstream military installations.

Cities Supplied by Chattahoochee River

Water quality varies by city due to local treatment, distribution infrastructure, and source blending.

Atlanta, GA

30 PPM · Slightly Hard 1,089,893 residents

Atlanta Downtown, GA

20 PPM · Slightly Hard 1,089,893 residents

Suwanee, GA

30 PPM · Slightly Hard 975,000 residents

Lawrenceville, GA

30 PPM · Slightly Hard 975,000 residents

Duluth, GA

28 PPM · Slightly Hard 975,000 residents

Kennesaw, GA

25 PPM · Slightly Hard 695,000 residents

Johns Creek, GA

35 PPM · Slightly Hard 434,517 residents

Alpharetta, GA

37 PPM · Slightly Hard 434,517 residents

Columbus, GA

32 PPM · Slightly Hard 229,000 residents

Columbus West, GA

15 PPM · Soft 229,000 residents

Dothan, AL

61 PPM · Moderately Hard 97,146 residents

Phenix City, AL

30 PPM · Slightly Hard 42,267 residents

Smyrna, GA

35 PPM · Slightly Hard 40,508 residents

Roswell, GA

37 PPM · Slightly Hard 14,300 residents

Buckhead, GA

22 PPM · Slightly Hard 332 residents

Brookhaven, GA

34 PPM · Slightly Hard 156 residents

Sandy Springs, GA

57 PPM · Slightly Hard 55 residents

Recommended for Chattahoochee River Water

Based on average water quality across 17 cities supplied by Chattahoochee River.

PFAS Filter Clearly Filtered Pitcher ~$90 Test Your Tap Home Water Test Kit ~$30

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission on purchases. Recommendations based on water quality data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chattahoochee River water safe to drink?
Water from Chattahoochee River meets EPA safety standards in all served cities. However, average PFAS levels of 12.6 ppt exceed the 2024 EPA health guideline. A certified water filter is recommended for drinking water.
Why is Chattahoochee River water soft?
Chattahoochee River benefits from source geology that produces naturally soft water with low dissolved mineral content.
How many people drink Chattahoochee River water?
Chattahoochee River supplies drinking water to 17 cities in our database, serving approximately 7,321,584 residents. The largest cities include Atlanta, GA; Atlanta Downtown, GA; Suwanee, GA.
Do I need a water filter for Chattahoochee River water?
Yes. With PFAS averaging 12.6 ppt, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended. Look for NSF P473 certification.