Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department (PUD) has announced the availability of the Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This document provides detailed information on local drinking water quality throughout 2023. It underscores PUD’s commitment to transparency and public health by assuring residents that their water is safe to drink directly from the faucet.

In 2023, over 5 billion gallons of water were delivered across Athens-Clarke County. The team of certified water operators and lab technicians conducted extensive testing, performing over 9,000 tests in the lab and more than 97,000 tests during the treatment process. These efforts ensure compliance with stringent standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The report offers a comprehensive display of test results for substances found in the water; if a substance is not listed, it means it was not detected.

“We understand the importance of transparency regarding our residents’ drinking water,” said Hollis Terry, Director of the PUD. “The Drinking Water Quality Report reflects the dedication of our entire department to meet or surpass all state and federal drinking water standards. We are proud of the highly trained maintenance mechanics, lab technicians, and operators who keep the treatment system running smoothly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And we are even prouder of the safe drinking water we produce for the health and well-being of all Athenians.”

The J.G. Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant received the 2024 Best Operated Plant of the Year award from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals in its category. This recognition further demonstrates PUD's commitment to providing clean drinking water to the community.

To ensure accessibility, PUD is mailing customers a report summary. The full report is available on their website at www.accgov.com/ccr. Customers who do not receive a summary or wish for a hard copy can obtain one at 124 E. Hancock Ave. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their drinking water quality and trust in PUD's commitment to providing clean and safe water.

For more information about the 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report or questions regarding Athens-Clarke County's water supply, contact Jackie Sherry at (762) 400-6739.