Atlanta Settles Lawsuit Over Chattahoochee River Pollution

City agrees to improve wastewater treatment after environmental group's lawsuit.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The city of Atlanta has reached a settlement agreement with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, a nonprofit environmental group, over a lawsuit filed in 2024 claiming the city's wastewater treatment plants had repeatedly released poorly treated sewage into the Chattahoochee River.

Why it matters

The Chattahoochee River is a vital natural resource that provides drinking water for millions of people in the Atlanta metropolitan area, as well as recreational opportunities. Pollution of the river can have significant public health and environmental consequences, making this settlement an important step in protecting the river's water quality.

The details

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in September 2024, alleged that the city's wastewater treatment plants were discharging high levels of bacteria and other pollutants into the Chattahoochee River. The settlement agreement requires the city to invest in upgrades and improvements to its wastewater treatment infrastructure to ensure better compliance with environmental regulations and reduce the risk of future pollution incidents.

  • The lawsuit was filed by the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper in September 2024.
  • The settlement agreement was reached in February 2026.

The players

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

A nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chattahoochee River and its watershed.

City of Atlanta

The local government of Atlanta, Georgia, which operates the wastewater treatment plants that were the subject of the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“This settlement is an important step in ensuring the long-term health of the Chattahoochee River, which is a vital natural resource for our region.”

— Sally Bethune, Executive Director, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper website)

“We are committed to making the necessary investments to improve our wastewater treatment and protect the Chattahoochee River for generations to come.”

— Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (Atlanta City Hall press release)

What’s next

The city of Atlanta will begin implementing the upgrades and improvements to its wastewater treatment infrastructure as outlined in the settlement agreement.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the importance of effective wastewater treatment and environmental regulation in protecting vital natural resources like the Chattahoochee River, which serves as a crucial source of drinking water and recreation for the Atlanta metropolitan area.