Is Darien, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 74 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.7/100
waterverge.com Darien, GA — Water Quality Report
Darien's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 9,236 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 209 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 74 remain unresolved.
What to know about Darien's water
Darien ranks #298 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Darien 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.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Darien, GA water safe to drink?
Darien's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 9,236 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Darien
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Darien's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Fluoride, Selenium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3422). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Darien's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Darien's water system has 209 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 74 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McIntosh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Hudson Creek.
Where does Darien's water come from?
Darien's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 9,236 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hudson Creek (stream).
What Darien residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Darien'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.
Darien'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 Darien
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Darien, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROWOOD LLC BRUNSWICK BRUNSWICK, GA31525 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
US DHS FLETC GLYNCO GA BRUNSWICK, GA31525 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Darien
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BRUNSWICK WOOD PRESERVING9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMcIntosh County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 44.6% 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
McIntosh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Darien compares by contaminant
Explore where Darien ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Darien's water comes from
Darien'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 9,236 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near Darien
Darien is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Darien
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCINTOSH COUNTY-CRESCENT COMMUNITY WS | GA1910021 | 3,406 | GW |
| DARIEN WATER SYSTEM | GA1910000 | 3,242 | GW |
| JOHN ALFORD SUBDIVISION | GA1910009 | 989 | GW |
| MCINTOSH COUNTY-CARNIGAN COMMUNITY | GA1910019 | 540 | GW |
| SAPELO RIDGE/POPPELL FARMS SUBDIVISION | GA1910097 | 300 | GW |
| MCINTOSH COUNTY - CANNON BLUFF | GA1910014 | 296 | GW |
| HIGHLAND PARK SUBDIVISION | GA1910018 | 203 | GW |
| MCINTOSH COUNTY - JONES COMMUNITY | GA1910012 | 95 | GW |
| MCINTOSH COUNTY-HARRIS NECK COMMUNITY | GA1910089 | 80 | GW |
| RIVER MARSH MOBILE HOME PARK | GA1910123 | 60 | GW |
| MCINTOSH COUNTY-YOUNGS ISLAND COMMUNITY | GA1910010 | 25 | GW |
How Darien compares
Full Georgia rankings →Darien's score of 58.7/100 is below 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 Darien, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Darien's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcintosh
Frequently asked questions
Is Darien, GA tap water safe to drink?
Darien's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #298 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Darien's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 209 violations are on record.
How is Darien'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 Darien?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Darien's water come from?
Darien's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 9,236 residents.
What health violations has Darien's water system had?
Darien has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 74 violations remain unresolved.
Is Darien's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Darien 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 209 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 Darien's water compare to other cities?
Darien ranks #298 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 21% of state cities) and #12254 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.