Is Canon, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.2/100
waterverge.com Canon, GA — Water Quality Report
Canon's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,048 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 31 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canon's water
Canon ranks #251 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, Canon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canon, GA water safe to drink?
Canon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,048 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Canon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canon's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canon's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Canon's water come from?
Canon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,048 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Canon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canon'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.
Canon'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 Canon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Canon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHARMA TECH INDUSTRIES ROYSTON, GA30662 | Zinc compounds | 8 | 4.4 mi |
CARRY-ON TRAILER CORP LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
FANELLO INDUSTRIES LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
FANELLO INDUSTRIES LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
MORGAN CONCRETE CO. - LAVONIA LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtFranklin County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 41.8% 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
Franklin County has experienced 6 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canon compares by contaminant
Explore where Canon ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canon's water comes from
Canon'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 1,048 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Canon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANON WATER SYSTEM | GA1190000 | 1,048 | SWP |
How Canon compares
Full Georgia rankings →Canon's score of 73.2/100 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.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Canon, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Canon, GA tap water safe to drink?
Canon's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #251 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Canon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Canon'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 Canon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canon's water come from?
Canon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,048 residents.
How does Canon's water compare to other cities?
Canon ranks #251 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 34% of state cities) and #10145 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Canon's small water system affect quality?
Canon's system serves approximately 1,048 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 31 violations on record.