Is Attapulgus, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Attapulgus, GA — Water Quality Report
Attapulgus's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 19 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Attapulgus's water
Attapulgus ranks #273 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Attapulgus 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, Attapulgus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Attapulgus, GA water safe to drink?
Attapulgus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Attapulgus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Attapulgus's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Attapulgus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Attapulgus's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Decatur County has experienced 7 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 Little Attapulgus Creek.
Where does Attapulgus's water come from?
Attapulgus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Attapulgus Creek (river).
What Attapulgus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Attapulgus'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.
Attapulgus'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 Attapulgus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Attapulgus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,031,241 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASF CORP ATTAPULGUS OPS ATTAPULGUS, GA39815 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,031,241 | 1.1 mi |
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS HAVANA, FL32333 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDecatur 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
Decatur County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Attapulgus compares by contaminant
Explore where Attapulgus ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Attapulgus's water comes from
Attapulgus'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 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Attapulgus
Attapulgus is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Attapulgus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATTAPULGUS | GA0870000 | 750 | GW |
How Attapulgus compares
Full Georgia rankings →Attapulgus's score of 68.1/100 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 Attapulgus, GA
Wikipedia →Attapulgus is a city in Decatur County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 454, up from 449 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Bainbridge, Georgia micropolitan statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Attapulgus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Decatur
Frequently asked questions
Is Attapulgus, GA tap water safe to drink?
Attapulgus's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #273 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Attapulgus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Attapulgus'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 Attapulgus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Attapulgus's water come from?
Attapulgus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Attapulgus's water system had?
Attapulgus has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Attapulgus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Attapulgus 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 19 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 Attapulgus's water compare to other cities?
Attapulgus ranks #273 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 28% of state cities) and #11131 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 Attapulgus's small water system affect quality?
Attapulgus's system serves approximately 750 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 19 violations on record.