Atlanta gets more rain than Seattle: The surprising truth about Southern rainfall and it's hidden impact

Business Journals

14-07-2025

When you think of rainy cities, Seattle is likely to come to mind. Famous for its overcast skies and near-daily drizzle, the city has built a reputation around raincoats and coffee shops. But here's a surprising truth: Atlanta, Georgia, receives more average annual rainfall than Seattle. That fact alone is unexpected, but when we consider what all that rain means for urban pollution, it becomes even more significant.
Seattle experiences an average of around 37 inches of rain per year. The catch? That rain falls in small, frequent amounts across about 150 days annually. Atlanta, on the other hand, sees roughly 50 inches of rain per year: over 13 inches more than Seattle. However, Atlanta's rainfall tends to come in fewer but more intense downpours, which poses unique environmental challenges.
These heavier rain events in Atlanta don't just bring water; they carry pollutants, strain stormwater systems and threaten the health of rivers, creeks and lakes throughout the region. When rain hits paved surfaces like roads and parking lots, it has nowhere to go. Instead of soaking into the ground, it becomes stormwater runoff, which collects pollutants like oils, grease and trash, and flushes them directly into local waterways.
This pollution can damage ecosystems, harm wildlife and contaminate drinking water sources. In Atlanta, that means critical waterways like Peachtree Creek, the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier are at risk. Over time, this kind of pollution also increases maintenance costs, raises flood risks and degrades public spaces.
The solution
To address these issues, cities like Atlanta and the State of Georgia enforce stormwater regulations based on the Clean Water Act. These rules are designed to reduce the volume and improve the quality of runoff entering local waterways.
Effective stormwater management means more than installing a drainage system. It requires regular maintenance to keep systems functioning and compliant. A proper maintenance program typically includes:
Monthly or quarterly site visits to remove trash, clear debris and inspect system components
Annual inspections to assess performance, document findings and check for signs of wear or damage
Corrective actions when erosion, clogging or structural issues are discovered
Routine reporting and compliance documentation to meet regulatory requirements
Without these steps, stormwater systems become less effective and more prone to failure. Neglected systems can lead to flooding, violations, safety concerns and expensive emergency repairs.
Managing stormwater systems can be complex, but you do not have to do it alone. AQUALIS is a trusted stormwater and wastewater compliance partner with years of experience working across Georgia and nationwide. Our team supports commercial properties, municipalities and industrial facilities by providing reliable, end-to-end solutions.
With AQUALIS, you can expect:
We help you stay ahead of maintenance needs, avoid violations and protect your property and surrounding environment.
Atlanta may not be known for its rainfall, but it gets more than its share. With that comes responsibility. Stormwater pollution is one of the leading causes of water quality issues in urban areas. But with proper management, cities and property owners can reduce runoff impacts and preserve water resources.
Partnering with an experienced provider like AQUALIS helps ensure that your stormwater system does what it was designed to do. Clean water, protected infrastructure and compliance with local and state regulations all start with proper stormwater care.
Contact AQUALIS today to schedule a site assessment and create a maintenance plan that works for you.
AQUALIS is the premier provider of sustainable water management for stormwater, wastewater and water quality testing. Our engineers and certified water compliance professionals provide technical expertise and optimal, tailored solutions for sustainable water compliance design, consultation, construction and management. From concept to completion and lifetime preventative maintenance and repairs, AQUALIS has the in-house capabilities to support your corporate water infrastructure and compliance needs.
Heather is certified stormwater inspector that deeply understands regulatory requirements and the watersheds the regulations protect. Known for her commitment to customer success, Heather excels in managing complex projects and providing clear, effective presentations and training. To learn more about maintaining compliance through inspections and maintenance contact Heather today at [phone].