Cobb County’s water system released more than 21 million gallons of treated wastewater that failed to meet safety standards into the Chattahoochee River earlier this month.

What’s Happening: The South Cobb Water Reclamation Facility discharged the substandard wastewater on Nov. 12. Officials didn’t classify it as a spill until Nov. 18 — six days later — after routine test results came back and an investigation confirmed the water quality problems.

What’s Important: The Chattahoochee River provides drinking water and recreation for millions of Georgia residents downstream. State regulators consider any discharge that doesn’t meet standards a spill, regardless of whether the wastewater was treated.

Between the Lines: County water system employees are now testing water quality daily bot

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