Is Fort Gaines, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.6/100
waterverge.com Fort Gaines, GA — Water Quality Report
Fort Gaines's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,484 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 38 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Gaines's water
Fort Gaines ranks #237 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fort Gaines 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, Fort Gaines may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Gaines, GA water safe to drink?
Fort Gaines's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,484 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Gaines
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Gaines's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Gaines's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Gaines's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay County has experienced 10 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 Walter F. George Reservoir, Chattahoochee R Below Wfg Dam Ab Ft. Gaines, Chattahoochee R .36 Mi Ds Wfg Dam Nr Ft Gaines.
Where does Fort Gaines's water come from?
Fort Gaines's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,484 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Walter F. George Reservoir (lake), Chattahoochee R Below Wfg Dam Ab Ft. Gaines (river), Chattahoochee R .36 Mi Ds Wfg Dam Nr Ft Gaines (river).
What Fort Gaines residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Gaines'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.
Fort Gaines'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 Fort Gaines
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fort Gaines, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS W F GEORGE LAKE FORT GAINES, GA39851 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtClay 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
Clay County has experienced 10 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Gaines compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Gaines ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Gaines's water comes from
Fort Gaines'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 2,484 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Gaines
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT GAINES | GA0610001 | 1,399 | GW |
| CLAY COUNTY WATER SYSTEM | GA0610029 | 1,085 | GW |
How Fort Gaines compares
Full Georgia rankings →Fort Gaines's score of 74.6/100 is above 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 Fort Gaines, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Gaines's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Gaines, GA tap water safe to drink?
Fort Gaines's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #237 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Fort Gaines's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Fort Gaines'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 Fort Gaines?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Gaines's water come from?
Fort Gaines's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,484 residents.
What health violations has Fort Gaines's water system had?
Fort Gaines has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Gaines's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Gaines 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 38 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 Fort Gaines's water compare to other cities?
Fort Gaines ranks #237 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 37% of state cities) and #9791 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.