WaterVerge

Is Brooks, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

684 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: GA1130000
Overall Score
72.5 / 100
Violations
28 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#257 of 378 in Georgia Top 66% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.5/100
waterverge.com
B- 72.5/100

Brooks, GA — Water Quality Report

Brooks's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 684 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 67 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Brooks's water

Brooks ranks #257 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Brooks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
72.5 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
28.5/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Brooks, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Brooks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 684 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

28
Active Violations
1.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Brooks

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brooks's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE IRMA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE IRMA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brooks's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Brooks's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Apr 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2025 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Fayette County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Flint River, Lake Horton Headwater, Lake Horton Tailrace, Shoal Creek, Lake Mcintosh.

HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3387
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3218

Where does Brooks's water come from?

Brooks's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 684 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Flint River (river), Lake Horton Headwater (lake), Lake Horton Tailrace (river), Shoal Creek (river), Lake Mcintosh (lake).

What Brooks residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brooks's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Brooks'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

67
Total violations
3
Health-based
28
Active / unresolved
Apr 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

67 Total
28 Active
3 Health-based
39 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
24
Total Coliform Rule
19
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Nitrate Rule
6
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 67 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Brooks

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brooks, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 12 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GS II
Petroleum · SAINT-GOBAIN CORP
PEACHTREE CITY, GA30269
Copper127.6 mi
BERRY GLOBAL FILMS LLC
Plastics and Rubber · BERRY GLOBAL INC
GRIFFIN, GA30224
9.8 mi
HOSHIZAKI AMERICA INC
Machinery · HOSHIZAKI USA HOLDINGS INC
PEACHTREE CITY, GA30269
8.4 mi
EVERLUBE PRODUCTS
Chemicals · METAL IMPROVEMENT CO LLC
PEACHTREE CITY, GA30269
7.3 mi
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS SOUTHEAST AGG LLC - PEACHTREE CITY PLAN
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US INC
PEACHTREE CITY, GA30269
9.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Fayette 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.

13
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
19.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2017
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Fayette County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.9 ppb from 2002 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
684
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Brooks's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Brooks's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 684 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Brooks

Brooks is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Flint River
river
Lake Horton Headwater
lake
Lake Horton Tailrace
river
Shoal Creek
river
Lake Mcintosh
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Brooks

System Name PWSID Population Source
BROOKS GA1130000 595 SWP
PINE MOUNTAIN MHP GA2850129 89 GW
Regional Comparison

How Brooks compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Brooks's score of 72.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Brooks (this city)
72.5
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Brooks, GA

Economic Profile
$103,125
Median Income
$411,989
Median Home Value
1.3%
Unemployment
Community
44.2
Median Age
65
People / sq mi
35.2%
College Educated
96.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Brooks, GA tap water safe to drink?

Brooks's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #257 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Brooks's water?

Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.

How is Brooks'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 Brooks?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Brooks's water come from?

Brooks's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 684 residents.

What health violations has Brooks's water system had?

Brooks has 3 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.

How does Brooks's water compare to other cities?

Brooks ranks #257 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 32% of state cities) and #10311 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.