As of July 20, 2025, the Georgia Board of Dentistry’s new waterline rule is now in effect. The rule was passed by the board at the beginning of the year, and it has been making its way through Georgia’s administrative procedure ever since. After a lengthy journey to the Secretary of State’s office, the rule has finally been published.

The new rule requires: 

• Offices to use water meeting EPA drinking water standards (≤ 500 CFUs/mL) for nonsurgical procedures
• Offices to follow manufacturers' instructions for use when testing water quality, to test water quality at least quarterly, and to test water quality within 30 days of plumbing modifications
• To take remedial action if an unacceptable level of colony-forming units (CFUs) is identified
• To keep a log for a period of at least 5 years recording dates, the person conducting the tests, and reports from an independent testing entity

With the quarterly testing requirement now in effect, GDA encourages dental offices to begin testing by the end of the calendar quarter on September 30, 2025.

GDA is working to support member dentists as they begin to comply with Rule 150-8-.05. Continuing education related to infection control and waterline maintenance is now available through GDA’s Virtual & On-Demand platform. Other related resources, including specials from GDA Dental Supply Company and a new guide, are located on GDA’s Dental Unit Waterline Regulation page. In partnership with Sterisil, 40 free Waterline Maintenance Starter Kits are now available to GDA members on a first come first served basis.

For questions related to the new rule, please reach out to GDA’s government affairs team.

Janelle Adams
Director of Government Relations
404.636.7553 x-109

Jon Hoin
Senior Health Policy Manager
404.636.7553 x-105

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