Cobb County Reports Latest Sewer Overflow Amid Ongoing Wastewater Issues, Public Should be Concerned

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Cobb County Water System confirmed another wastewater overflow, continuing a series of sewer incidents across the county this year.

On Dec. 18, an estimated 580 gallons of wastewater spilled near 1230 North Cobb Parkway in Marietta after gravel clogged the sewer line. The overflow did not enter any watercourse. County crews were notified at 3:44 p.m. and stopped the spill by 4:00 p.m. Cleanup crews applied lime disinfectant, and no fish kills were observed. Residents can contact the Cobb County Water System’s Maintenance Division at 770‑419‑6393 for more information.

Recent Overflows

• November 11, 2025: 1,030 gallons into a tributary of Tate Creek near 4155 Lake Mist Drive, Kennesaw (caused by grease).
• November 15, 2025: 220 gallons into Nickajack Creek at 375 Cranfill Road SE, Marietta.
• November 21, 2025: 720 gallons into a tributary of Buttermilk Creek near 5400 Beth Drive, Austell.
• November 25, 2025: 160 gallons into a tributary of Clay Branch near 703 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton.

County crews responded to each spill by clearing blockages, jetting lines, and disinfecting affected areas. No immediate fish kills were reported in the most recent incidents.

Public and Environmental Concerns

Residents and environmental groups warn that repeated sewer spills pose risks to public health, aquatic life, and local ecosystems. “Even when spills are small, the cumulative effect on our streams and rivers can be significant,” said a spokesperson for a local environmental advocacy group. Community members also express frustration with aging infrastructure and question whether the county is investing enough in preventive maintenance.

Cobb County has faced ongoing wastewater challenges in 2025, including:

• Large discharges from water reclamation facilities: In November 2025, roughly 21.59 million gallons of treated wastewater were discharged from the South Cobb Water Reclamation Facility into the Chattahoochee River. In February 2025, more than 40 million gallons were discharged from the same facility.
• Smaller creek and lake spills: In June 2024, nearly 3.9 million gallons of treated wastewater spilled into Lake Allatoona from the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility, and hundreds to thousands of gallons spilled into other creeks throughout 2024.

These incidents highlight aging infrastructure, grease blockages, and system vulnerabilities, which continue to pose environmental and public health risks.

Health, Environmental, and Community Impacts

Sewer overflows can introduce raw or partially treated wastewater into natural areas, posing risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems. Contaminants may include harmful bacteria and pollutants that can affect recreational water use and wildlife. Sewer overflows can also introduce bacteria and contaminants into waterways, creating potential health risks for residents and wildlife. Officials encourage people to avoid contact with affected areas and monitor local advisories.

List of Reported Sewer Overflows in 2025 – Cobb County has documented numerous wastewater spills this year, ranging from small pipeline overflows to significant releases into local creeks and streams. According to county reports and CMOM (Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance) notifications,

2025 Sewer Overflows include:

Jan–Feb 2025: Multiple spills into Noonday Creek, Nickajack Creek, and Clark Creek tributaries.

March–April 2025: Overflows into Olley Creek, Sope Creek, Buttermilk Creek, and Allatoona Creek.

May–June 2025: Spills into Pitner Creek, Willeo Creek, Clay Branch, and Little Allatoona Creek.

July–August 2025: Overflows into Chattahoochee River tributaries, Morgan Lake tributaries, Timber Ridge Branch, and Bishop Creek.

September–October 2025: Spills into Rottenwood Creek, Sewell Mill Creek, Sweat Mountain Creek, and Nickajack Creek.

November–December 2025: Multiple overflows into Buttermilk Creek, Clay Branch, Tate Creek, Proctor Creek, and other tributaries; volumes ranged from 160 to 1,030 gallons.

This list is based on county notifications and CMOM‑reported overflows through late December 2025.