About Us
Our mission, history, and the people who operate one of Georgia's most modern water treatment facilities.
What We Do
The Sinclair Water Treatment Facility is a surface water treatment plant owned and operated by the Sinclair Water Authority (SWA). The plant draws raw water from Lake Sinclair — a 15,330-acre reservoir on the Oconee River — treats it to meet all federal and state drinking water standards, and delivers finished water to customers in Baldwin and Putnam Counties through two separate distribution systems.
The facility operates from two locations in Milledgeville, Georgia: a Raw Water Pump Station and the main Water Treatment Plant at 126 Cay Drive. Under its state operating permit, the plant is approved to produce up to 6.0 million gallons of drinking water per day.
Facility Overview
Water Treatment Plant
The main treatment facility where raw water from Lake Sinclair is filtered through ultrafiltration membranes and prepared for distribution. Finished water is stored in a 2-million-gallon clearwell on site.
126 Cay Drive, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Raw Water Pump Station
Located at Lake Sinclair, this station houses the intake screens and pumps that draw raw water from the reservoir and transmit it nearly three-quarters of a mile to the main plant for treatment.
111 Spurgeon Drive, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Who We Serve
SWA operates as a wholesale water supplier. We treat water from Lake Sinclair and deliver it to two wholesale customers — Baldwin County and Putnam County — who distribute it to homes and businesses throughout the region.
Residents in Baldwin and Putnam Counties depend on SWA-treated water delivered through county distribution systems.
Baldwin County and Putnam County each receive finished water through separate wholesale service connections.
The facility operates continuously throughout the year, with no seasonal shutdowns, to meet residential and commercial demand.
Georgia Public Water System No. GA2370087 — Surface Water Source — Wholesale Service
How We're Governed
The Sinclair Water Authority is a public corporation created by the Georgia General Assembly under House Bill 398 — the Sinclair Water Authority Act. Its mission is to plan, implement, and manage safe drinking water production and distribution for Baldwin and Putnam Counties.
The Authority operates strictly as a water transmission entity. It produces treated water and delivers it wholesale to the two member counties; it does not sell water directly to individual end users. SWA is subject to annual independent audit, and reports are made available to the public upon request.
Five-Member Governing Board
- Chairman of Baldwin County's Board of Commissioners
- Chairman of Putnam County's Board of Commissioners
- One non-elected resident appointed by Baldwin County
- One non-elected resident appointed by Putnam County
- A jointly elected chairperson
All board meetings are open to the public. View the 2026 meeting schedule →
Explore the Authority
Our history, governance, and the certified team that keeps your water safe every day.
Our History
Explore the story of Lake Sinclair and how Baldwin and Putnam counties partnered to create a modern water treatment facility, dedicated in September 2008.
Learn MoreBoard Members
Meet the community leaders who guide our authority and ensure a sustainable water future for the region.
View BoardOur Staff
Get to know the certified professionals who operate our facility and deliver high-quality water services around the clock.
View StaffAwards & Recognition
Third-party recognition of our water quality, compliance, and operational standards.
Best Tasting Tap Water
District 5 Champion — Georgia AWWA Tap Water Taste Test
2017
Gold Award — SDWA Compliance
Georgia Association of Water Professionals
2021
Water Fluoridation Quality Award
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / HHS
2022
A Look Inside Our Plant
The Sinclair Water Authority plant uses ultrafiltration membrane technology to treat water from Lake Sinclair before it reaches homes and businesses in Baldwin and Putnam counties.
