Is Baconton, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com Baconton, GA — Water Quality Report
Baconton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,248 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 26 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baconton's water
Baconton ranks #165 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Baconton 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, Baconton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baconton, GA water safe to drink?
Baconton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,248 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baconton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baconton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Baconton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baconton's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mitchell County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Baconton's water come from?
Baconton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,248 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Baconton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baconton'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.
Baconton'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 Baconton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Baconton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EARTHMAN GEORGIA LLC BACONTON, GA31716 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
KEYSTONE FOODS LLC - CAMILLA PROCESSING CAMILLA, GA31730 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMitchell 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
Mitchell County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Baconton compares by contaminant
Explore where Baconton ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baconton's water comes from
Baconton'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 1,248 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Baconton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BACONTON | GA2050000 | 1,202 | GW |
| BOYNTON GROVE MHP | GA2050036 | 46 | GW |
How Baconton compares
Full Georgia rankings →Baconton's score of 80.7/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Baconton, GA
Wikipedia →Baconton is a city in Mitchell County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 856, down from 915 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baconton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mitchell
Frequently asked questions
Is Baconton, GA tap water safe to drink?
Baconton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Baconton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Baconton'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 Baconton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baconton's water come from?
Baconton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,248 residents.
What health violations has Baconton's water system had?
Baconton has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baconton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baconton 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 26 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 Baconton's water compare to other cities?
Baconton ranks #165 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 56% of state cities) and #7759 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.