Is Glenwood, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.2/100
waterverge.com Glenwood, GA — Water Quality Report
Glenwood's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.5 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 20 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glenwood's water
Glenwood ranks #239 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Glenwood 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.
As a small community water system, Glenwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glenwood, GA water safe to drink?
Glenwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glenwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glenwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Glenwood'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.
Violation history
Glenwood's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wheeler County has experienced 7 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 Little Ocmulgee River, Oconee River.
Where does Glenwood's water come from?
Glenwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Ocmulgee River (river), Oconee River (river).
What Glenwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glenwood'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.
Glenwood'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
D4 — exceptional droughtWheeler County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 59.6% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Wheeler County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Glenwood'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. | 12.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glenwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Glenwood ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glenwood's water comes from
Glenwood'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 1,034 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glenwood
Glenwood is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Glenwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENWOOD | GA3090001 | 1,034 | GW |
How Glenwood compares
Full Georgia rankings →Glenwood's score of 74.2/100 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 Glenwood, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glenwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wheeler
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenwood, GA tap water safe to drink?
Glenwood's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #239 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Glenwood's water?
Lead was measured at 12.5 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Glenwood'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 Glenwood?
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 Glenwood's water come from?
Glenwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 residents.
What health violations has Glenwood's water system had?
Glenwood has 6 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glenwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glenwood 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 20 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 Glenwood's water compare to other cities?
Glenwood ranks #239 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 37% of state cities) and #9918 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glenwood's small water system affect quality?
Glenwood's system serves approximately 1,034 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 20 violations on record.