Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for new service conveniently online or you can come to our main office at 545 Corinth Rd. If you need assistance, feel free to contact the office at (770) 254-3710.

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You may check your water usage on your monthly water bill or login to your customer portal to view your detailed water consumption, along with various other useful features.

CCWSA offers several payment options, including online bill pay, pay by phone, mail, credit card, bank draft, e-check, and night drop.

If you are experiencing a water emergency, please locate your water meter, turn off the water supply, and if you need assistance, feel free to contact our office at 770-254-3710.

Drinking water can come from several different sources. The simplest of these is from ground wells,
where water is pulled and is already naturally purified and typically is suitable to drink. However, most of our drinking water comes directly from surface water resources, such as rivers, lakes and streams, or large reservoirs, such as the BT Brown Reservoir, located in the northern part of Coweta County. The
annual Consumer Confidence Report detailing our water quality test results is available at
www.cowetawater.com.

Surface waters, like every other substance, contain small amounts of bacteria. While most of these are
not generally harmful, some of them can cause an illness if ingested. For this reason, treatment plants
are required to add chlorine to drinking water to first kill any harmful bacteria that is in the water, and
secondly, to prevent bacterial growth while the water streams through the pipelines; thus, all drinking
water will contain minimal amounts—or residues—of chlorine. In addition to making the water safe to
drink, another goal of the water treatment process is to produce an aesthetically pleasing product: one
without any taste, odor, or color. For instance, all surface water contains iron and manganese–two
minerals that are naturally found in nearly all bodies of water. While not harmful, excessive amounts of
these can create taste and/or color problems that the customer may not find pleasing; therefore, it is
important that these minerals are removed. While all water treatment plants are designed to remove
these minerals, no plant is able to remove them completely. Trace amounts of these minerals that
escape the plant process will, over time, naturally build up on the walls of water mains and personal
supply pipes. Occasionally, disruptions in the distribution system (such as open fire hydrants or water
main breaks) dislodges minerals in the water mains, resulting in yellowish, or muddy brown looking
water. The coloration is from higher concentrations of manganese and iron.

The treatment process begins with storing surface water in reservoirs and allowing all suspended matter to settle out (or sink to the bottom of the reservoir). The water is then pumped from the reservoir to a treatment plant for proper treatment to meet Government-defined standards. Coagulants are added to encourage additional settling in large sedimentation basins, followed by a filtration system that removes nearly all particulates (such as dust and pollen). Disinfection is accomplished through the addition of chlorine to kill all pathogenic material. While all of this seems relatively simple, proper treatment is only achieved by constant monitoring of chemical levels to ensure appropriate pH and dosing levels, which are critical for maintaining optimum performance.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a list of drinking water
standards that determine which substances can be in drinking water and the maximum amounts of
these substances that are allowed. Also known as maximum contaminant levels, these standards are
formulated for contaminants that may have adverse effects on human health.

There could be air in your water lines. Turn on your tap slowly and run the water until the sputtering stops.

Check the faucet screens for trapped particles. Remove the screens and clean out any particles. Put
the screens back on the faucet.

Hard water is water that contains dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium), while softened water is
treated to remove these minerals and replace them with sodium ions. Water’s “hardness” and
“softness” levels are due to the concentration of the dissolved ions in the water, and the lower the mineral concentration, the softer the water will be. The water produced at Coweta County’s B.T. Brown Water Treatment plant continuously tests in the soft range (0-60 ppm), meaning it contains very few minerals. There are multiple benefits to having soft water, such as detergents working better, hair staying moisturized, and no scum residue left on dishes/shower curtains after water usage. Soft water can help save money because less soap and detergents need to be used, and since they don’t have to work as hard, the life of your washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters can be prolonged. On the other hand, hard water is to blame for dishes with spots and residue, and bathtubs with lots of film and soap scum. Even hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. Softened water is not, however, suggested for those with heart or circulatory problems or others who may be on a low sodium diet, as there is an increased concentration of sodium in softened water.

Customers sometimes report white particles that clog plumbing fixtures. These may be bits of calcium
carbonate scale coming from your water heater. The scaling may worsen if the water heater thermostat
is set too high. If the particles are calcium carbonate, you may need to flush your water heater. Many
manufacturers recommend periodic flushing of water heaters to remove sediment that can build up and
doing so at least once a year. The sediment can cause discoloration of the water and can make the water heater less efficient. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s owner’s guide for your water heater.

Discoloration of tap water is often due to higher-than-normal levels of iron and/or manganese –two
minerals that are filtered out by water treatment plants; however, it is impossible to remove 100% of
these minerals. The residue that survives the treatment process will end up sticking to the walls of water mains. Discoloration is an indication that either iron or manganese deposits have dislodged from inside the supply plumbing or the main pipelines. Any disruption in the water flow, such as a water main break, fire hydrant activation, or even vibrations caused by large trucks or construction equipment may knock off small particles of these minerals and stir up sediments in the pipes. It is a temporary condition that usually clears up in a couple of hours. The water may not be aesthetically pleasing, but according to the EPA, short-term increased levels of iron or manganese are not public health threats. Oftentimes, the customer can correct this problem by simply flushing their lines (opening several cold faucets in the home) for about fifteen (15) minutes. If possible, start with the outside hose spigot. Monitor the color there first, and when it clears start opening the cold water spigots inside the home to clear the plumbing lines. If the unpleasant color remains, we ask that you contact the Water Authority so we can flush the main lines to expedite this process.

The hot and cold water from our kitchen sink can sometimes come out very cloudy white, but it
noticeably clears after about 20 seconds. Cloudy water, also known as white water, is caused by tiny air bubbles suspended in the water. It usually happens when it is very cold outside, and air gets mixed in with the water supply. Periodically, repairs need to be performed on the distribution system and when this occurs, air can be introduced into the pipes. It is completely harmless, and if left sitting, the bubbles will naturally disappear within a few seconds, and you will see the water clear. The last of the air may collect around the surface of the water, giving it a soapy appearance. To clear the lines in your home, open several cold-water taps and allow them to run for fifteen (15) minutes. If the white water is only in your hot water, the issue may be a bad anode in your water heater.

A fishy or earthly smell is likely the result of algae growth in one of the water system’s reservoirs, partially caused by the change of season. Different types of algae can cause your water to smell fishy, moldy, grassy or even like cucumbers or violets. Refrigerating the water can help eliminate the odor and adding a slice of lemon will remove any bitter taste. When a funny taste or smell is first detected in the water supply, water treatment plant operators can correct the problem with an application of Powdered Activated Carbon, which removes taste/odor, or they may use copper sulfate application to control the natural algal growth in the affected reservoir.

Coweta Water Authority, like all water suppliers, disinfects its water with a chlorine application to
protect against any harmful bacteria (from birds, animals, and even humans) that can enter reservoirs.
The chlorine dose also protects the water as it travels through the miles of pipe to get to your home.
Those with a sensitive palette may find their water has the odor of chlorine and sometimes may even
have a chemical taste. These odors are attributable to the residual disinfectant that is required in all
distribution systems by the Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. The chlorine concentration in your
water will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the distance you live from the water treatment plant and the time of the year (chlorine will dissipate faster in warmer weather). Generally, higher concentrations are found closer to the plant during the winter. This is due to the water having a shorter residence time in the pipe (shorter distance and higher flows) and lower water temperatures. Conversely, the lowest levels will occur at the ends of the system, in the summer when water temperature is high (can reach 92°F). Water with elevated free chlorine levels can also be described as having a “chemical taste.” Because of this variability, water at one home may not have the same degree of odor or taste as water from another part of the county. Two simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the chlorine odors include: fill a gallon milk jug ¾ full of water, put the cap on and shake vigorously for a couple of minutes, then remove the cap and allow the jug to sit in a sunny window throughout the day. The next way is to simply fill a pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator; the open pitcher should allow the chlorine to dissipate.

Coweta Water Authority, like many other suppliers, uses a gaseous form of chlorine known as chlorine
dioxide (ClO2) to treat the reservoir water and help eliminate metals, such as iron and manganese.
Chlorine dioxide is also helpful in removing many organic odor compounds and kills waterborne
pathogenic bacteria and viruses. While it is very helpful in treating water, small amounts remain in the
water that is delivered to your home. When a water tap is opened, small amounts of chlorine dioxide will diffuse into the air and react with many common household compounds. Studies have not identified any health concerns associated with these combined odors. All homes have volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in the ambient air that are produced by scented products (soaps, candles, air fresheners, incense, potpourri), cleaning agents, furnishings (new cabinetry), and many other common household items. Chlorine Dioxide gas is notorious for reacting with new carpet, fresh interior paint, and new furniture, and creating odors described as gaseous, medicinal, cat urine, or simply as a strong chemical odor. The odor will continue until the level of VOC’s decreases (new smell fades). This can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on the ventilation in the home. Opening windows and turning on fans where possible may help eliminate or reduce odors more quickly.

Boil water advisories are issued when a water source pressure level drops below 20 psi. This typically occurs because of a water main break somewhere in the distribution system. With a significant loss of pressure, there is a possibility for water to become contaminated with harmful bacteria. The boil water advisory is a preventative measure for customers to be aware of this possible contamination.

NO. An advisory means that due to the loss of water pressure, there is a possibility that the water could be contaminated; therefore, we operate under the precaution that contamination is present until we can confirm the results of the microbial water sample tests.

Samples are taken from the area affected by the pressure drop to our lab for analysis of microbial presence. Bacterial testing requires a 24-hour incubation time, and once we have confirmation that the water is not contaminated, the boil water notice will be lifted.

Bring water to a rolling boil for AT LEAST 1 MINUTE before consuming. All harmful bacteria that can be
present are killed during this period. Water filter systems do not remove harmful bacteria; boil water even if on a filter system.

• Brushing Teeth
• Cooking (can be cooled after boil)
• Drink Preparation
• Washing all Food
• Ice Preparation
• Pet’s Water
• Baby Food Preparation

• Washing dishes—use hot soapy water and add 1 TBSP chlorine bleach per 1 GALLON as a precautionary measure. Rinse with boiled water.
• Laundry
• Bathing – using care not to ingest water through the mouth (shower risk)
• Hand Washing

If water was consumed before hearing the advisory, your risk of illness is still low, since most Boil Water Advisories are issued as a precautionary measure when water mains are repaired. If you begin to experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting a couple hours after ingesting the water, you should seek immediate medical attention. Advise your healthcare practitioner that you consumed water during a ‘Boil Water Advisory.’

• Flush water lines by running all cold-water faucets in the home for approximately one (1)
  minute.
• Flush automatic ice makers by discarding three (3) batches of ice made.
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
• Run drinking water fountains for one (1) minute.
• Run water through direct water connections for five (5) minutes.

You may view our current and most up-to-date water rates as of September 8, 2025 here.

Click here to access CCWSA’s 2024 Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

No. CCWSA staff verified the piping material on both sides of all metered accounts. It was verified
that NO lead piping is present from the water mains to the meter, or from the meter to the customer. To access CCWSA’s 2024 Lead Service Inventory, please click here.