Decatur, Georgia · DeKalb County
Water damage restoration in Decatur, GA
Decatur is its own city inside DeKalb County, with about 25,000 residents by the Census Bureau's 2025 estimate. Water and sewer service comes from the county, and building permits from the city.
Decatur facts
Water, sewer and permits in Decatur
Each point below comes from the city's or county's own website, linked under it. Checked 1 November 2026.
Water and sewer: DeKalb County
Decatur's Public Works FAQ says the city's water and sewer issues are handled by DeKalb County, and that requests for water quality, repairs and maintenance go to the county.
County emergency line
DeKalb County's Department of Watershed Management lists a 24-hour emergency line, 770-270-6243, for water and sewer problems.
When repairs need a permit
Per the city, repairs above a cost threshold need a building permit, as does any work that reconfigures rooms or alters HVAC, electrical, plumbing or load-bearing parts of the house. Questions go to the Design, Environment and Construction Division at 404-377-6198.
Drainage on your lot is yours
The city treats drainage pipes and structures on private property as private: their upkeep and repair fall to the owner. Blocked storm structures and flooding can be reported to the same division.
Who to call for what
Water bubbling up in the street or yard
DeKalb County Watershed Management, 770-270-6243
Sewage backing up into the house
DeKalb County for the public sewer; a plumber for your own line; a restoration contractor for the cleanup
A burst pipe inside the house
Shut the main valve, call a plumber, then a restoration contractor
Repairs once the house is dry
Check permit needs with the city's Design, Environment and Construction Division
Restoration referrals in Decatur
A call to this line reaches an independent restoration contractor that takes jobs in Decatur. Tell them where the water came from, how long it has been wet and which rooms it reached, and ask how they would start.
When you call, say what the walls and floors are made of. Plaster, drywall, hardwood and tile each take on water differently and dry at different speeds.
Other areas
Water where it should not be?
Get an Atlanta restoration contractor on the line
The sooner wet materials start drying, the less there usually is to tear out. One call puts you through to an independent contractor who can look at the damage, explain the work and give you their own price.
Speak with a restoration contractor
Your call is routed to an independent water, fire and mold restoration contractor that takes jobs in metro Atlanta. Describe the damage and ask what they would do first.
Call (678) 649-1321Calls may be recorded. How referrals work: disclosure. How call data is handled: privacy.