Is Fairburn, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.7/100
waterverge.com Fairburn, GA — Water Quality Report
Fairburn's drinking water received a grade of B (79.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 14,000 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairburn's water
Fairburn ranks #180 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 54.1 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairburn, GA water safe to drink?
Fairburn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 14,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fairburn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairburn's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Fairburn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
Fairburn's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fulton 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 Chattahoochee River, Lake Kedron, Flat Cr Ds Of Lake Kedron, Nr Peachtree City.
Where does Fairburn's water come from?
Fairburn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 14,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Chattahoochee River (river), Lake Kedron (lake), Flat Cr Ds Of Lake Kedron, Nr Peachtree City (river).
What Fairburn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairburn'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fairburn'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 Fairburn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairburn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POREX CORP FAIRBURN, GA30213 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
NESTLE PURINA PETCARE CO FAIRBURN, GA30213 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
OWENS CORNING INSULATING SYSTEMS LLC FAIRBURN GA FAIRBURN, GA30213 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
BEST BLOCK - GEORGIA PLANT FAIRBURN, GA30213 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS SOUTHEAST AGG LLC - FAIRBURN PLANT FAIRBURN, GA30213 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFulton 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Fulton 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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairburn compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairburn ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairburn's water comes from
Fairburn'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 14,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairburn
Fairburn is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fairburn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRBURN | GA1210004 | 14,000 | SWP |
How Fairburn compares
Full Georgia rankings →Fairburn's score of 79.7/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Fairburn, GA
Wikipedia →Fairburn is a city in Fulton County, Georgia, United States, with a population of 16,483, according to the 2020 census. Though it has a rich history of its own, the city is now a closely linked suburb of Atlanta, which lies just 17 miles to the north.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairburn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fulton
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairburn, GA tap water safe to drink?
Fairburn's water quality earned a grade of B (79.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #180 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Fairburn's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Fairburn'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 Fairburn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairburn's water come from?
Fairburn's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 14,000 residents.
What health violations has Fairburn's water system had?
Fairburn has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fairburn's water compare to other cities?
Fairburn ranks #180 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 52% of state cities) and #8154 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.