ACC Public Utilities Announces Availability of Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department (PUD) is pleased to announce the availability of the 2023 Drinking Water Quality Report. This annual report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), provides comprehensive details on the local drinking water quality throughout 2022. It serves as a testament to PUD’s commitment to transparency and the health of our residents by assuring them that our water is safe to drink directly from the faucet. Conducted by our diligent team of certified drinking water operators and lab technicians, the PUD performed extensive water quality testing on over 190 substances, handling approximately 12,000 tests in the lab and over 97,000 during the treatment process in 2022 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. The report highlights the success of these efforts, with the vast majority of substances detected in our water remaining within legal limits. However, it is important to note that Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), a disinfection byproduct, exceeded the limits set by the EPA. The PUD promptly notified customers of the violation and took immediate corrective measures, including increased line flushing and the installation of automatic flushers, to restore compliance by the fall of 2022 and has remained within limits in 2023. “We understand the importance of being straightforward regarding our residents’ drinking water,” said Hollis Terry, Director of the PUD. “The Drinking Water Quality Report reflects our dedication to meeting regulatory standards and safeguarding the health and well-being of Athens’ residents. We take great pride in the hard work of our certified drinking water operators and lab technicians, who ensure that our water consistently meets the highest quality standards.” To make the document easily accessible, PUD is mailing customers a report summary. The full report is available on the utility website at www.accgov.com/ccr. This initiative coincides with Drinking Water Week, May 7-13, a time when water utilities and communities come together to recognize the vital role of water in enhancing and protecting public health, the economy, and the environment. In 2022, PUD’s dedicated water professionals worked around the clock to deliver over 4.8 billion gallons of safe drinking water to homes, businesses, firefighters, hospitals, and schools. If a customer does not receive the summary or desires a hard copy, they can obtain one at 124 E. Hancock Ave. We urge all residents to stay informed about their drinking water quality and trust in our unwavering commitment to providing clean and safe water. For more information about the 2023 Drinking Water Quality Report or questions regarding the water provided by Athens-Clarke County, please call Laurel Loftin at (762) 400-6739.