Is Alapaha, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68/100
waterverge.com Alapaha, GA — Water Quality Report
Alapaha's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 689 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 26.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 28 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alapaha's water
Alapaha ranks #274 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Alapaha relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Alapaha may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alapaha, GA water safe to drink?
Alapaha's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 689 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alapaha
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alapaha's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alapaha's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Alapaha's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berrien County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Alapaha River.
Where does Alapaha's water come from?
Alapaha's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 689 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Alapaha River (river).
What Alapaha residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alapaha's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Alapaha's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtBerrien County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Berrien County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alapaha's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 26.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alapaha compares by contaminant
Explore where Alapaha ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alapaha's water comes from
Alapaha's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 689 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alapaha
Alapaha is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alapaha
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALAPAHA | GA0190000 | 689 | GW |
How Alapaha compares
Full Georgia rankings →Alapaha's score of 68/100 is on par with the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Alapaha, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alapaha's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Alapaha, GA tap water safe to drink?
Alapaha's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #274 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Alapaha's water?
Lead was measured at 26.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Alapaha's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alapaha?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alapaha's water come from?
Alapaha's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 689 residents.
What health violations has Alapaha's water system had?
Alapaha has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alapaha's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alapaha uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 28 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alapaha's water compare to other cities?
Alapaha ranks #274 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 28% of state cities) and #11147 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alapaha's small water system affect quality?
Alapaha's system serves approximately 689 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 28 violations on record.