Complaints of “overwhelming sulfide smells” come from across the north of Lowndes County about water in homes supplied by Lowndes County, Georgia. See below for how to report this problem to Lowndes County Utilities and to WWALS, and how to get your water tested.

If you want to speak to Lowndes County Commissioners or staff, they’re having a Regular Session this evening at 5:30 PM, at 327 N. Ashley Street, 2nd Floor.
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25100

You can speak in Citizens Wishing to Be Heard, or talk to them before or after the meeting.

Water smell and color 2025-07-07, Lowndes County north water system, Please report any problems, Get your water tested

For example, “In Crestwood Subdivision there have been years of yellow and brown water and rotten egg smells causing headaches and dizziness from the water odor.”

Crestwood is east off of Guest Road.

Map: Crestwood Subdivision, 2025-07-08 — “>VALORGIS
Dark blue lines are Lowndes County water lines.

According to Utilities Director Steve Stalvey yesterday after the county’s morning Work Session, the whole north of the county is supplied from the Stone Creek well. They’ve taken that well offline and will not be putting it back until the problem is fixed. See also the county’s social media post, transcribed below.

Stone Creek is west by I-75.

Map: Stone Creek Subdivision, 2025-07-08 –VALORGIS

You can see the storage tower for that well from Old US 41 North.

Lowndes County at Stone Creek, 2025-07-08 —Google Street View

Lowndes County has run water mains (dark blue lines) across the Withlacoochee River (lighter blue) to connect the west and east sides of the north end of the county.

Map: Lowndes County North Water System, 2025-07-08 –VALORGIS

How to report problems with quality of water supplied by Lowndes County

If you’re still seeing or smelling water quality issues in water supplied by Lowndes County, please report it to the county:
https://lowndescounty.com/168/Utilities

On weekdays from 8 a.m.—5 p.m. you may contact the Utility Customer Service Department at 229-671-2500. For problems after hours, weekends, and holidays you may contact the Lowndes County Emergency telephone service at 229-671-2503.

Please also report it to WWALS, so we can keep up to date:
https://wwals.net/report/

You may want to get your water tested by the Lowndes County Extension office:
https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/lowndes/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-and-water-testing.html

Some water tests require special containers with specific instructions. If you have questions, please contact the Lowndes County Extension office at 229-333-5185. The Lowndes County Extension office only accepts cash or checks for payment.

The expense of a few water tests can be worth it for peace of mind, or to find out what actually is in your water. You may even have water problems unrelated to this county water issue.

Of course, keep copies of all receipts for testing or contractors, and keep a log of what you have observed and any apparent health effects. These records could be useful for insurance, or for any litigation, even though we hope there won’t be any.

Lowndes County facebook post

Lowndes County posted this at 8:16 AM, July 3, 2025, on its facebook page, Lowndes County, GA, and Valdosta Today also carried it.

Water Color/Odor Update—North Lowndes:

A recent maintenance upgrade to a well on the north end of Lowndes County’s water system has resulted in color and odor issues for some customers. On Wednesday, the well was taken off line for additional testing. To be clear, there is not a safety issue related to color or odor. Drillers hit a sulfur vein while drilling the well deeper to increase output. If testing does not indicate a plan for overcoming the sulfur, the well will not be put back in service. Utility crews continue to flush lines to move the sulfur out of the system.

Lowndes County understands and agrees that the current water quality for some customers is not acceptable and will continue to address this issue until it is resolved. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this issue has caused.

Important Information, 2023-07-03, 8:16 AM –Lowndes County, GA

The most recent well upgrade to Stone Creek that I know of was two years ago; see the Lowndes County Commission board packet for June 13, 2023, item 7.b. Stone Creek Onsite Well Pump.

BUDGET IMPACT: $64,095.00 Due to wear, age, and the need to increase capacity, a new pump is recommended.
PDF

It would seem the one bidder has more work to do.

Quote from Woodrow Sapp
PDF

The Stone Creek well has cost Lowndes County a lot of money over the years, due to Withlacoochee River water coming through the ground into the well, requiring more expensive water treatment methods.

The 64 thousand dollar question is: when will that well ever be fixed?

Meanwhile, please report any water quality problems you are still experiencing, and it would be best to get your well tested. Keep all your records, including a log of what you have experienced, just in case.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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