A major credit rating upgrade for Atlanta’s water and sewer system is reinforcing confidence in the City’s infrastructure strategy and helping stretch every dollar further as improvements continue across neighborhoods.
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised the rating on the Department of Watershed Management’s senior-lien revenue bonds to AA from AA- and assigned a AA- rating with a stable outlook to the City’s anticipated 2026 subordinate-lien bonds. The move reflects sustained progress on federally required clean water projects, reduced regulatory risk and disciplined financial oversight across the system.
For residents, that upgrade matters. Higher ratings allow the City to borrow at lower interest rates, making it more cost-effective to repair pipes, modernize treatment systems and strengthen long-term reliability while helping manage future costs.
“Under the leadership of Commissioner Eyerly, DWM has made so much progress that S&P is betting on its future,” said Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Butler Burks. “This is what steady leadership and disciplined investment look like. We are building a system that is stronger, more resilient, and prepared to serve Atlanta for generations to come.”
The improved rating reflects years of work to complete federally required clean water improvements and shift toward a more sustainable long-term capital strategy. Together, those efforts strengthen performance across the system while reducing risk over time.
“This upgrade reflects years of strategic investment and commitment to protecting public health and the environment,” said Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Greg Eyerly. “It underscores the strength of our financial stewardship and the collective effort of our team and partners. We are grateful to Mayor Andre Dickens for his leadership and continued support in advancing critical infrastructure improvements across Atlanta.”
Atlanta’s water and wastewater system serves more than 1.2 million people across the region, making reliability essential not just for daily service but for economic growth, neighborhood stability and public health.
The upgrade also builds on broader financial momentum across the City. Less than two years ago, Fitch raised Atlanta’s Issuer Default Rating to AAA, the highest in the City’s history, signaling strong confidence in Atlanta’s long-term fiscal management.
Together, these milestones reflect a consistent approach: disciplined planning, steady infrastructure investment and careful oversight that keeps essential systems strong today while preparing for the future.
