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Water Quality FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about your drinking water — where it comes from, how it is treated, and how it is regulated.
Where does my water come from?
Your water comes from Lake Sinclair, a 15,330-acre reservoir on the Oconee River in Putnam County, Georgia. The Sinclair Water Authority draws raw water from the lake at an intake approximately 860 feet offshore, in deep water.
Is my water safe to drink?
Yes. The Sinclair Water Treatment Facility operates under a permit from Georgia EPD (No. CS2370087) and must comply with the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977 and all EPA drinking water standards. We publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report with a full summary of what was detected in your water during the prior year.
Why does my water sometimes look cloudy or have a slight taste?
Lake Sinclair is a surface water source, which means its quality naturally varies by season. Heavy rain can increase suspended clay particles (turbidity), and seasonal changes in water temperature can affect trace mineral levels. Our treatment process is designed to handle these variations, but if you notice an unusual taste or appearance, contact us directly.
What is membrane filtration, and why does it matter?
Membrane filtration is a treatment technology that uses microscopic hollow-fibre membranes to physically filter water. Our ZeeWeed® ultrafiltration membranes have pores just 0.02 microns in diameter — too small for bacteria, viruses, Giardia, or Cryptosporidium to pass through. It is a physical barrier, not just a chemical treatment. Learn more about the treatment process →
Is fluoride added to the water?
Yes. Continuous fluoridation is required by our operating permit from Georgia EPD. Fluoride is added during post-treatment to support dental health, consistent with public health guidelines.
Does the water contain chlorine?
Yes, in a very small amount. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is added after membrane filtration as part of post-treatment disinfection. We are required by our permit to maintain a minimum free chlorine residual of at least 0.2 milligrams per liter throughout the distribution system, ensuring the water remains safe from the treatment plant to your tap.
What is turbidity, and why does it matter?
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity — how much suspended material is in the water. Highly turbid water can interfere with disinfection and may indicate the presence of harmful particles. Our filtration system must maintain turbidity below 0.10 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) in 95% or more of all readings taken each month. Most finished water is well below that threshold.
How is the treatment facility regulated?
The Sinclair Water Treatment Facility holds several state and federal permits, including an operating permit from Georgia EPD, a water withdrawal permit, and an NPDES discharge permit for backwash water. Monthly operational records are submitted to Georgia EPD, and the facility is subject to inspection and audit.
What happens to the material removed during treatment?
Solids collected during sedimentation (settling) are sent to on-site lagoons. Backwash water from the membrane system is also managed on-site. The facility holds an NPDES permit (GAG640000) authorizing the discharge of filter backwash water to Lake Sinclair, subject to strict water quality limits.
What is an annual Consumer Confidence Report?
A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — sometimes called a water quality report — is an annual summary that community water systems are required to publish by the U.S. EPA. It lists every contaminant detected in your water during the prior year, how the detected level compares to the federal maximum contaminant level (MCL), and where your water comes from. Reports are typically published by July 1 each year. Download our latest report →