(Update Aug. 16, 2019) - Message from Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority

Our sampling on Lake Allatoona was completed this morning and all our results are in.  We sampled 5 locations for each of 3 algal toxins of concern.  All samples showed 0 micrograms per Liter, or parts per billion.  In addition, there were no areas with the observable presence of blue-green algae.

As a reminder, CCMWA tests water quality at our intake on Allatoona Lake 24/7 for Blue-Green Algae and other potential contaminants. We have not detected any Blue-Green algae or any other contaminant at the intake that would render the water unsafe to drink. The water is safe for use and consumption. 

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(Update Aug. 14, 2019) - Message from Kevin Chambers, Director of Communications with GA EPD. 

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has received test results from water samples taken from Lake Allatoona and they indicate levels of toxic blue green algae are within the safe range.  EPD suspects an algae bloom may have occurred this past weekend and that the samples were collected after the bloom began to dissipate.  EPD recommends that people and pets avoid going into lakes or ponds that appear bright green or the color of pea soup.

More information about harmful algal blooms, including how how to identify them, is available in an EPD Story Map .

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(Aug. 13, 2019 - Marietta, GA)  The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority has issued a statement regarding water from Lake Allatoona in light of recent events.

According to CCMWA officials, "We monitor and test at our intake on Lake Allatoona 24/7 for Blue-Green Algae and other potential contaminants. We have not detected any blue-green algae or any other contaminant at the intake that would render the water unsafe to drink. The water is safe for use and consumption."

GA EPD sampled for Blue-Green algae at Red Top Mountain yesterday, August 12, 2019. Georgia EPA expects to have those results tomorrow, August 14, 2019. CCMWA is planning a sampling event of Allatoona Lake at large on Friday, August 16th and should have results of the sampling event available that afternoon 6:00 pm. However, please be assured that CCMWA monitors for Blue-Green algae at its intake on Allatoona Lake 24/7 and to date has not detected Blue-Green algae. 

Recreational use at Lake Allatoona is monitored by the Army Corp of Engineers, not Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority. For more information about recreational use of Lake Allatoona, please contact the Army Corp of Engineers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division is located at 60 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303-8801. They can be reached at 404-562-5011.