Is Gibson, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46.2/100
waterverge.com Gibson, GA — Water Quality Report
Gibson's drinking water received a grade of D (46.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,388 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 84 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gibson's water
Gibson ranks #337 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gibson 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, Gibson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gibson, GA water safe to drink?
Gibson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,388 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gibson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gibson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gibson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Gibson's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Glascock County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Gibson's water come from?
Gibson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,388 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gibson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gibson'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.
Gibson'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGlascock County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Glascock County has experienced 6 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 Gibson'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. | 4.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gibson compares by contaminant
Explore where Gibson ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gibson's water comes from
Gibson'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 1,388 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Gibson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIBSON | GA1250000 | 1,350 | GW |
| EDGEHILL | GA1250004 | 38 | GW |
How Gibson compares
Full Georgia rankings →Gibson's score of 46.2/100 is below 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 Gibson, GA
Wikipedia →Gibson is a city and the county seat of Glascock County, Georgia, United States, and is home to the Glascock County Courthouse, a National Register of Historic Places listed site. The population was 663 at the 2010 census, and 630 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gibson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Glascock
Frequently asked questions
Is Gibson, GA tap water safe to drink?
Gibson's water quality earned a grade of D (46.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #337 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Gibson's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is Gibson'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 Gibson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gibson's water come from?
Gibson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,388 residents.
What health violations has Gibson's water system had?
Gibson has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gibson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gibson 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 84 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 Gibson's water compare to other cities?
Gibson ranks #337 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 11% of state cities) and #13906 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.