WaterVerge

Is Georgetown, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: GA2390008
Overall Score
75.1 / 100
Violations
25 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#230 of 378 in Georgia Top 62% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
75.1/100
waterverge.com
B 75.1/100

Georgetown, GA — Water Quality Report

Georgetown's drinking water received a grade of B (75.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,065 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 47 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Georgetown's water

Georgetown ranks #230 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

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

The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
75.1 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
30.1/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Georgetown, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Georgetown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,065 residents using groundwater (wells).

25
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Georgetown

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Georgetown's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MICHAEL

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 Georgetown's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Georgetown's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Quitman County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include South Fork Cowikee Creek Nr Howe, Chattahoochee River, Barbour Creek At Barbour Lane Nr Eufaula, Pataula Creek.

HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4400
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338

Where does Georgetown's water come from?

Georgetown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,065 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Cowikee Creek Nr Howe (river), Chattahoochee River (lake), Barbour Creek At Barbour Lane Nr Eufaula (river), Pataula Creek (river).

What Georgetown residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Georgetown'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

47
Total violations
2
Health-based
25
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

47 Total
25 Active
2 Health-based
22 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
19
Total Coliform Rule
11
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 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 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 47 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Georgetown

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 40 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JOHNSON MATTHEY PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC
Chemicals · JOHNSON MATTHEY HOLDINGS INC
SAVANNAH, GA31408
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)409.2 mi
JCB INC.
Machinery · JCB EXCAVATORS LTD
POOLER, GA31322
9.5 mi
SHEAROUSE LUMBER CO
Wood Products · NA
POOLER, GA31322
9.7 mi
CMC REBAR SAVANNAH
Fabricated Metals · COMMERCIAL METALS CO
POOLER, GA31322
7.8 mi
SOLENIS LLC
Chemicals · OLYMPUS WATER US HOLDING CORP
SAVANNAH, GA31415
8.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Quitman 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Oct 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Quitman County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4400
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218
Oct 1995
HURRICANE OPAL
Hurricane FEMA #1071

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 2.2 ppb from 2003 (2.5 ppb) to 2025 (0.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,065
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Georgetown's water comes from

Groundwater

Georgetown'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 3,065 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Georgetown

Georgetown is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

South Fork Cowikee Creek Nr Howe
river
Chattahoochee River
lake
Barbour Creek At Barbour Lane Nr Eufaula
river
Pataula Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Georgetown

System Name PWSID Population Source
QUITMAN WATER & SEWER AUTH. GA2390008 1,040 GW
GEORGETOWN GA2390000 999 GW
BONAPARTE`S RETREAT, INC. GA2390001 554 GW
CHATTAHOOCHEE PLANTATION ESTS. GA2390002 472 GW
Regional Comparison

How Georgetown compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Georgetown's score of 75.1/100 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.

Georgetown (this city)
75.1
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Georgetown, GA

Economic Profile
$70,640
Median Income
$235,760
Median Home Value
$1,336/mo
Median Rent
5.9%
Unemployment
Community
33.1
Median Age
589
People / sq mi
38.2%
College Educated
51.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Georgetown, GA tap water safe to drink?

Georgetown's water quality earned a grade of B (75.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #230 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Georgetown's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.

How is Georgetown'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 Georgetown?

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

Where does Georgetown's water come from?

Georgetown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,065 residents.

What health violations has Georgetown's water system had?

Georgetown has 2 health-based violations 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. 25 violations remain unresolved.

Is Georgetown's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Georgetown 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 47 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 Georgetown's water compare to other cities?

Georgetown ranks #230 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 39% of state cities) and #9670 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.