Is Flowery Branch, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Flowery Branch, GA — Water Quality Report
Flowery Branch's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,594 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Flowery Branch's water
Flowery Branch ranks #170 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Flowery Branch 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Flowery Branch, GA water safe to drink?
Flowery Branch's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,594 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Flowery Branch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Flowery Branch's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Flowery Branch's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Flowery Branch's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Wheeler Creek, Richland Creek, Ivy Creek.
Where does Flowery Branch's water come from?
Flowery Branch's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,594 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wheeler Creek (river), Richland Creek (river), Ivy Creek (river).
What Flowery Branch residents can do
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.
Flowery Branch'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 Flowery Branch
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Flowery Branch, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 289 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAR-JAC POULTRY INC-GAINESVILLE PLANT GAINESVILLE, GA30501 | Ammonia | 240 | 9.0 mi |
THE PITTSBURGH PAINTS CO. OAKWOOD, GA30566 | Zinc compounds | 46 | 3.1 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC GAINESVILLE, GA30504 | Chromium compounds (except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 2 | 6.7 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE GAINESVILLE FEED MILL GAINESVILLE, GA30501 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE GAINESVILLE PROCESSING PLANT GAINESVILLE, GA30501 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHall 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
Hall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Flowery Branch's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1500.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1500.000 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Flowery Branch compares by contaminant
Explore where Flowery Branch ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Flowery Branch's water comes from
Flowery Branch'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 4,594 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Flowery Branch
Flowery Branch is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Flowery Branch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLOWERY BRANCH | GA1390000 | 4,594 | GW |
How Flowery Branch compares
Full Georgia rankings →Flowery Branch's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Flowery Branch, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Flowery Branch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hall
Frequently asked questions
Is Flowery Branch, GA tap water safe to drink?
Flowery Branch's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #170 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Flowery Branch's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Flowery Branch'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 Flowery Branch?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Flowery Branch's water come from?
Flowery Branch's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,594 residents.
Is Flowery Branch's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Flowery Branch 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 6 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 Flowery Branch's water compare to other cities?
Flowery Branch ranks #170 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 55% of state cities) and #7824 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.