Is Gatlinburg, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Gatlinburg, GA — Water Quality Report
Gatlinburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 36 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gatlinburg's water
Gatlinburg ranks #56 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Gatlinburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gatlinburg, GA water safe to drink?
Gatlinburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gatlinburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gatlinburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Gatlinburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gatlinburg's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chatham County has experienced 9 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 Savannah River, Middle River, L Back River Above Lucknow Canal, Nr Limehouse, Little Back River, Back River 0.4 Mi Downstream Us17, Nr Savannah.
Where does Gatlinburg's water come from?
Gatlinburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Savannah River (stream), Middle River (stream), L Back River Above Lucknow Canal, Nr Limehouse (stream), Little Back River (stream), Back River 0.4 Mi Downstream Us17, Nr Savannah (stream).
What Gatlinburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gatlinburg'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.
Gatlinburg'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
Flood & disaster history
Chatham County has experienced 9 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gatlinburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Gatlinburg ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gatlinburg's water comes from
Gatlinburg'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,203 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gatlinburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHALET VILLAGE NORTH | TN0000849 | 1,203 | SWP |
How Gatlinburg compares
Full Georgia rankings →Gatlinburg's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Gatlinburg, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gatlinburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sevier
Frequently asked questions
Is Gatlinburg, GA tap water safe to drink?
Gatlinburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Gatlinburg's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Gatlinburg'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 Gatlinburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gatlinburg's water come from?
Gatlinburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 residents.
What health violations has Gatlinburg's water system had?
Gatlinburg has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gatlinburg's water compare to other cities?
Gatlinburg ranks #56 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 85% of state cities) and #3960 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gatlinburg's small water system affect quality?
Gatlinburg's system serves approximately 1,203 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 36 violations on record.