WaterVerge

Is Dillard, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: GA2410053
Overall Score
80 / 100
Violations
21 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#177 of 378 in Georgia Top 51% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80/100

Dillard, GA — Water Quality Report

Dillard's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,093 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 32 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Dillard's water

Dillard ranks #177 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Dillard 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, Dillard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Dillard, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Dillard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,093 residents using groundwater (wells).

21
Active Violations
2.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Dillard

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dillard's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM ZETA

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 Dillard's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Dillard's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMON
Most recent violations:
Jul 2023 E. COLI Open
Oct 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2022 Public Notice Open
Aug 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Rabun County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
TROPICAL STORM ZETA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4579
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338

Where does Dillard's water come from?

Dillard's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,093 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Dillard residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Dillard'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
2.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 14% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

32
Total violations
0
Health-based
21
Active / unresolved
Jul 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

32 Total
21 Active
0 Health-based
11 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
16
Total Coliform Rule
7
Ground Water Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Jul 2023 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2018 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 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
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 32 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Dillard

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ADAMS FRANKLIN
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
FRANKLIN, NC28734
Lead08.9 mi
MORGAN CONCRETE CO. - RABUN GAP
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · MORGAN CONCRETE CO
RABUN GAP, GA30568
1.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Rabun 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)
22.9%
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

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Rabun County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Jan 2021
TROPICAL STORM ZETA
Hurricane FEMA #4579
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218
Sep 2004
TROPICAL STORM FRANCES
Hurricane FEMA #1560

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.1 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 9.0 ppb from 2007 (2.5 ppb) to 2025 (11.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,093
Water Systems
3
Source breakdown
Groundwater
2
Purchased Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Dillard's water comes from

Groundwater

Dillard'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 2,093 people through 3 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Dillard

System Name PWSID Population Source
SKY VALLEY GA2410053 1,820 GW
DILLARD GA2410138 211 SWP
HEATHERSTONE AT FORD MOUNTAIN HOA GA2410127 62 GW
Regional Comparison

How Dillard compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Dillard's score of 80/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Dillard (this city)
80
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Dillard, GA

Wikipedia →

Sky Valley is a city in Rabun County, Georgia, United States and is nestled in a mountain valley on the northwest slopes of Rabun Bald, Georgia's second-highest peak. Incorporated in March 1978, it recorded a total population of 250 as of the 2000 U.S. census, and 482 as of 2020. Sky Valley shares ZIP code 30537 with nearby Dillard.

Economic Profile
$47,500
Median Income
$223,468
Median Home Value
$740/mo
Median Rent
4.7%
Unemployment
Community
48.7
Median Age
62
People / sq mi
38.3%
College Educated
77.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Dillard, GA tap water safe to drink?

Dillard's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #177 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Dillard's water?

Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.

How is Dillard'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 Dillard?

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

Where does Dillard's water come from?

Dillard's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,093 residents.

Is Dillard's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Dillard 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 32 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 Dillard's water compare to other cities?

Dillard ranks #177 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 53% of state cities) and #8058 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.