Public Utilities Department Releases 2024 Annual Water Quality Report

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, June 6th, 2025

The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department (PUD) recently published the Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report provides important information about water sources, the treatment process, and the results of regular monitoring and testing of water quality throughout 2024. The Drinking Water Quality Report reflects the dedication of the entire department to meet or surpass all state and federal drinking water standards.

In 2024, over 5 billion gallons of water were delivered throughout Athens-Clarke County while undergoing extensive daily water quality testing by the PUD team of water professionals. The certified water operators and lab technicians conducted over 9,000 tests in the lab and 95,000 tests during the treatment process to ensure compliance with the strict standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The Drinking Water Quality Report provides customers with a comprehensive display of test results for substances found in the water. If a substance does not appear in the results table, it means the PUD did not detect it in the water.

“We understand the importance of transparency regarding our residents’ drinking water,” said Public Utilities Department Director Hollis Terry. “We are proud to deliver water that not only meets strict safety standards, but also reflects our deep commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.” 

These results reflect the hard work of the highly trained operators, maintenance teams, lab technicians, and distribution crews who keep the system running efficiently 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Not only does PUD deliver an outstanding product to taps in Athens-Clarke County, the J.G. Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant received the Georgia Association of Water Professionals Gold Award for achieving 100% compliance with all state and federal water quality regulations, further showing the commitment to operational excellence and public health. 

To make the Water Quality Report easily accessible, the PUD is mailing customers a report summary. The full report is available on the report’s website at www.accgov.com/ccr. Customers who do not receive the report summary or wants a hard copy can pick up one at the Water Conservation Office (124 E. Hancock Ave. Athens, GA 30601). 

The PUD urges all residents to stay informed about their drinking water quality and the PUD’s unwavering commitment to providing clean and safe water.

For more information, contact Jackie Sherry, Public Utilities Department Water Conservation Coordinator, at 706-613-3729 or [email protected].