Is Alto, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.4/100
waterverge.com Alto, GA — Water Quality Report
Alto's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,737 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alto's water
Alto ranks #159 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Alto 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.
As a small community water system, Alto may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alto, GA water safe to drink?
Alto's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,737 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alto's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alto's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alto's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Banks County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Chattahoochee River.
Where does Alto's water come from?
Alto's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,737 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chattahoochee River (river).
What Alto residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alto'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.
Alto'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 180 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MORITO SCOVILL AMERICAS LLC DBA SCOVILL FASTENERS CLARKESVILLE, GA30523 | Nickel compounds | 155 | 9.6 mi |
FIELDALE FARMS CORNELIA COMPLEX CORNELIA, GA30531 | Ammonia | 25 | 3.5 mi |
FIELDALE FARMS CORP DIRECT FEED MILLS BALDWIN, GA30511 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
STEELCELL OF N.A. INC BALDWIN, GA30511 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
ETHICON INC CORNELIA, GA30531 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHabersham County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Banks County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alto compares by contaminant
Explore where Alto ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alto's water comes from
Alto'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 2,737 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alto
Alto is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTO | GA1370000 | 2,737 | GW |
How Alto compares
Full Georgia rankings →Alto's score of 81.4/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Alto, GA
Wikipedia →Alto is a town in Banks and Habersham counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, Alto had a population of 970.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Habersham
Frequently asked questions
Is Alto, GA tap water safe to drink?
Alto's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #159 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Alto's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Alto'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 Alto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alto's water come from?
Alto's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,737 residents.
What health violations has Alto's water system had?
Alto has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alto's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alto 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 30 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 Alto's water compare to other cities?
Alto ranks #159 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 58% of state cities) and #7473 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alto's small water system affect quality?
Alto's system serves approximately 2,737 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 30 violations on record.