Tap water in Georgia is generally safe for consumption, particularly within public water systems, due to comprehensive regulatory oversight. This safety is maintained through constant monitoring and treatment processes. While the overall quality of Georgia’s drinking water is high, risks exist that can compromise safety after the water leaves the treatment plant. Therefore, an informed understanding of the water system is necessary for every consumer.
Regulatory Oversight and Source Water
Federal law mandates the safety framework for Georgia’s public water systems through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes national standards for contaminants, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which apply to all public water systems across the state.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) acts as the primary enforcement agency, administering federal standards within the state. The EPD monitors approximately 2,300 public water systems statewide, including both large municipal and smaller community operations. This state-level oversight ensures compliance with water quality rules.
Georgia’s drinking water comes from two main sources: surface water and groundwater. Surface water, drawn from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs (like the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier), supplies the majority of the population, especially in metropolitan areas. Groundwater, accessed through aquifers (such as the Floridan Aquifer), is the dominant source for many rural areas and supplies about 22% of the public water supply. Before distribution, source water undergoes treatment processes, including filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection, typically with chlorine, to remove contaminants.
Potential Contaminants and Infrastructure Risks
Water quality can be compromised by issues related to distribution infrastructure and emerging chemical threats, despite rigorous treatment. A significant infrastructure risk is lead, which enters the water primarily through the corrosion of older service lines, lead-containing solder in household plumbing, or brass fixtures.
The federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires water systems to regularly test water at consumers’ taps. If testing shows that more than 10% of samples exceed the lead action level of 15 micrograms per liter, the system must take corrective measures. These measures involve optimizing corrosion control treatment by adjusting the water’s chemistry to make it less corrosive to the pipes.
Emerging Chemical Threats
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a growing concern. These man-made chemicals, linked to various health effects, have been detected in multiple Georgia water systems. Sources of PFAS contamination often include industrial sites, military bases that used specialized firefighting foam, and landfills.
The EPA has established proposed limits for certain PFAS compounds, such as 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. Systems detecting these chemicals may require expensive upgrades to install advanced filtration systems, such as granular activated carbon, for removal. Biological contaminants, including bacteria like E. coli and viruses, are also a threat, often stemming from agricultural runoff or sewage systems. Standard disinfection methods, primarily chlorination, are highly effective at neutralizing these pathogens.
Why Water Quality Varies Across Georgia
Water quality is not uniform across Georgia due to differences in water sources and the size of public water systems (PWS). Georgia has approximately 2,300 PWSs, ranging from large municipal systems serving hundreds of thousands of people to small community systems. Larger systems generally have access to more sophisticated treatment technologies, robust monitoring, and greater financial resources to address contaminants.
Private Wells and Rural Challenges
Smaller, often rural, PWSs and private well users face distinct challenges. Private wells, which serve about 1.7 million Georgians, are not subject to regulatory oversight; the homeowner is responsible for all testing and maintenance. Studies of private wells have shown varying levels of contaminants, including arsenic, uranium, and nitrates, often influenced by local soil and rock composition.
Geographical factors also influence water quality variation. Highly urbanized watersheds in northern Georgia may see increased levels of dissolved nutrients and pollutants from urban runoff. Agricultural areas, particularly in South Georgia, can experience contamination from nitrates and pesticides from farm runoff, impacting both groundwater and surface water sources. The state’s diverse landscape directly influences the water source and the types of contaminants present.
How to Check Your Specific Water Safety
Consumers can easily access information about their local public water supply through the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The SDWA requires all community water systems to provide this detailed summary to customers by July 1st each year. The CCR outlines the water source, the results of all required contaminant monitoring for the previous year, and how the quality compares to EPA standards.
The report lists any detected contaminants, their measured levels, and any violations of the Maximum Contaminant Levels. If you are served by a public system, reviewing the CCR is essential for understanding local water quality. If the report cannot be located, contact your local water utility or the Georgia EPD’s Drinking Water Program.
Testing Private Wells
For homeowners using a private well, the responsibility for ensuring safety falls entirely on the property owner, as these wells are not regulated by the EPD. Private well users should have their water tested at least annually for bacteria and potentially for contaminants like lead, nitrates, or arsenic, depending on the well’s location and age.
The University of Georgia’s Extension Office offers water testing services and guidance on which contaminants to test for. If testing reveals a concern, point-of-use filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis units, can be installed to target specific contaminants like lead or certain organic chemicals.