Metro Atlanta’s smelly drinking water means fall is in the air
It’s safe to drink, but a seasonal change in Lake Lanier means much of the metro’s water tastes like dirt and mold.

For much of metro Atlanta lately, the drinking water has a smell. The problem is the byproduct of the slow autumn churning of Lake Lanier, the region’s most important source of water. (Photo illustration/Getty images)
Fall has arrived in Atlanta: The leaves are flecked with red and orange, the air is crisp, and the water smells awful.
No, it’s not just you. For much of metro Atlanta lately, drinking a glass of water has felt like sipping on a medley of dirt and mold, like none of your cups are getting cleaned quite well enough.
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About 70% of metro Atlanta’s residents get their drinking water from Lake Lanier. (File 2020)
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Thad Moore is an investigative reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thad Moore is an investigative reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution