Is Comer, 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 ↓
81.9/100
Comer, GA — Water Quality Report
Comer's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,574 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 72 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Comer's water
Comer ranks #153 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Comer 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, Comer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Comer, GA water safe to drink?
Comer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,574 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Comer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Comer's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Comer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Comer's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 5 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 Broad River Above Carlton.
Where does Comer's water come from?
Comer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,574 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Broad River Above Carlton (river).
What Comer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Comer'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.
Comer'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 Comer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Comer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HOUSE OF RAEFORD/COLUMBIA FARMS OF GA FEED MILL COMER, GA30629 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMadison County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 61.4% 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
Madison County has experienced 5 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Comer compares by contaminant
Explore where Comer ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Comer's water comes from
Comer'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 1,574 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Comer
Comer is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Comer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMER | GA1950002 | 1,531 | GW |
| FERNDALE COURT | GA1950054 | 43 | GW |
How Comer compares
Full Georgia rankings →Comer's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Comer, GA
Wikipedia →Comer is a city in Madison County, Georgia, United States. It had a population of 1,512 as of the 2020 census, up from 1,126 in 2010. Comer is the largest city in Madison County based on population and total land area. The city is included in the Athens-Clarke County Metropolitan Statistical Area, part of the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Comer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Comer, GA tap water safe to drink?
Comer's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #153 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Comer's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Comer'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 Comer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Comer's water come from?
Comer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,574 residents.
What health violations has Comer's water system had?
Comer has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Comer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Comer 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 72 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 Comer's water compare to other cities?
Comer ranks #153 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 60% of state cities) and #7261 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.