Sourced from county water/sewer authority information for Gwinnett, Cobb, Forsyth, Cherokee, and Henry counties — last checked July 2026.
Georgia Septic Guide — Free Tool
Could I Connect to Sewer Instead?
Atlanta’s fast-growing exurban counties are actively expanding sewer infrastructure. Before committing to a septic installation — especially an expensive ATU on Piedmont clay — it’s worth knowing whether sewer is already available or coming to your area.
This tool reflects general patterns in Atlanta’s growth counties and is not a substitute for checking directly with your county’s water/sewer authority. Sewer availability is ultimately determined by whether your specific address is within a served area, which the local utility can confirm definitively.
Why This Matters on Piedmont Clay
On sandy or loamy soil, a conventional septic system is cost-effective and low-maintenance. On Piedmont clay, the calculus is different. Many properties require an ATU or engineered alternative, which the EPA puts above the $5,000 to $15,000 national range for a conventional system, with ongoing six-month maintenance obligations. If sewer is available, a connection fee (set by the local authority — Georgia publishes no statewide schedule for a residential tap plus lateral) may be significantly less expensive over a 10-year horizon.
Get Free Quotes From Local Septic Pros
Three fields, about fifteen seconds. No cost and no obligation.
We pass your request to licensed local companies so they can quote you directly. Your details are never published or sold on.
Who to Call
| County | Water/Sewer Authority | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Gwinnett | Dept. of Water Resources | (678) 376-6700 |
| Cobb | Cobb County Water System | (770) 419-6200 |
| Forsyth | Water & Sewer Department | (770) 781-2160 |
| Cherokee | Water & Sewerage Authority | (770) 479-1813 |
| Henry | Henry County Water Authority | (770) 957-6659 |
Ask two questions: “Is sewer service currently available at my address?” and “Is sewer extension planned for my area within the next 3–5 years?”
Need Help With Your Septic System?
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll connect you with a licensed Georgia provider. Free, and no obligation.
Independent — not affiliated with the Georgia Department of Public Health or any county health department, and not a septic contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I connect to sewer instead of septic?
Often yes, if sewer is actually available at your property. A connection is usually a smaller capital job than installing an alternative system, and it removes the ongoing maintenance contract an ATU requires. Get the tap fee from your local sewer authority in writing before comparing, because that figure varies more than anything else in the calculation.
Which Atlanta counties are expanding sewer?
Forsyth, Cherokee, Henry, Gwinnett, Cobb, and North Fulton.
How do I check sewer availability?
Call your county water/sewer authority. Ask about current availability and planned expansion.