Athens’ JG Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant transforms raw water into clean, great-tasting drinking water, then conveniently delivers it to taps at homes and businesses. This is the only drinking water treatment plant in Athens-Clarke County and provides approximately 14 million gallons to the city daily through a span of 800 miles of pipes. Raw water is sourced from the North Oconee River, Middle Oconee River, and Bear Creek Reservoir. During this tour, you will learn how raw water is processed and how the facilities are maintained by our operators.