The question of whether Savannah’s tap water is safe to drink is a common concern for residents and newcomers. Local water quality is influenced by geography, infrastructure age, and regulatory standards. Understanding the water source and the processes designed to protect it provides context for confidence in the municipal supply. The City of Savannah maintains a rigorous system to ensure the water delivered to your home meets federal guidelines.
The Current Safety Status
The drinking water supplied by the City of Savannah’s main system is officially reported as safe for consumption, meeting all state and federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This verdict is based on extensive, ongoing monitoring. In 2023 alone, the City of Savannah Water Laboratory performed over 143,000 tests and procedures to confirm compliance. This consistent regulatory compliance means the water is safe for the vast majority of the population to drink without further treatment. While federal standards are the benchmark, the utility’s commitment to frequent testing provides a high degree of assurance regarding the water’s quality.
Water Source and Supply System
Savannah’s drinking water comes from a blend of two sources: the deep, underground Floridan Aquifer and treated surface water from Abercorn Creek. Historically, the Floridan Aquifer was the primary source, supplying water naturally filtered through earth and rock. Groundwater still constitutes the majority of the supply, but reliance on surface water is increasing to meet growing demand and protect the aquifer from saltwater intrusion.
Abercorn Creek, a tributary of the Savannah River, provides the surface water component, which requires more intensive treatment than the groundwater. Aquifer water is relatively pure, needing only disinfection and the addition of fluoride before distribution. The surface water treatment process involves adding alum and polymer for coagulation, causing fine particles to settle out. The clarified water is then filtered, disinfected with chlorine and ammonia, and balanced for pH and corrosiveness using lime and phosphate.
Regulatory Oversight and Testing Parameters
The safety of Savannah’s water is primarily overseen by the federal EPA and the state-level Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The local responsibility for managing and testing the public water supply falls to the City of Savannah Water Supply and Treatment Department. These agencies mandate a stringent testing protocol to ensure water quality is consistently maintained below Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
Water testing routinely monitors for microbial contaminants, inorganic chemicals, and disinfection byproducts. Testing also includes monitoring at the customer’s tap for specific contaminants like copper and lead. All public water systems are required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which details the water source, detected contaminants, and compliance with all health standards.
Addressing Specific Local Water Quality Issues
While the overall system is compliant, residents may encounter issues related to local infrastructure. One common concern is the potential for lead exposure, which does not originate in the source water but can leach from older lead service lines or household plumbing. The city is actively working to identify and inventory all lead service lines as required by revised EPA rules, with information publicly available via an interactive map.
Water Hardness
Savannah’s groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer is naturally hard, containing higher concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral content often leads to white scaling on fixtures and appliances and can slightly affect the taste of the water. However, water hardness poses no health risk.
Emerging Contaminants (PFAS)
Another concern is the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), particularly in the surface water supply from Abercorn Creek. Savannah is conducting regular monitoring for these chemicals, which are often found in industrial runoff. The city is preparing to upgrade its treatment processes to meet the EPA’s new standard of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.
Residents concerned about lead from home plumbing can minimize exposure by flushing pipes for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking, especially after the water has been sitting for several hours. If water quality issues persist, or if a resident wants to eliminate mineral buildup or trace contaminants, a certified home filtration system may be a practical consideration. The city provides contact information for residents who wish to have their water tested for lead.