Is Green Cove Springs, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Green Cove Springs, GA — Water Quality Report
Green Cove Springs's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.9 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Green Cove Springs's water
Green Cove Springs ranks #32 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Green Cove Springs 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, Green Cove Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Green Cove Springs, GA water safe to drink?
Green Cove Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Green Cove Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Green Cove Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Green Cove Springs'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
Green Cove Springs's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fulton County has experienced 5 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 South River, Doolittle Creek, Shoal Creek, Chatt R, Rottenwood.
Where does Green Cove Springs's water come from?
Green Cove Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 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 River (river), Doolittle Creek (river), Shoal Creek (river), Chatt R (river), Rottenwood (river).
What Green Cove Springs residents can do
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.
Green Cove Springs'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
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
Fulton County has experienced 5 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 Green Cove Springs'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. | 6.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Green Cove Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Green Cove Springs ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Green Cove Springs's water comes from
Green Cove Springs'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,310 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Green Cove Springs
Green Cove Springs is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Green Cove Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST. JOHNS LANDING APARTMENTS | FL2100709 | 1,310 | GW |
How Green Cove Springs compares
Full Georgia rankings →Green Cove Springs's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Green Cove Springs, GA
Wikipedia →Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the county seat of Fulton County and extends into neighboring DeKalb County. With a population of 498,715 at the 2020 census and an estimated 520,070 in 2024, Atlanta is the eighth-most populous city in the Southeast and the 36th-most populous city in the United States. Atlanta is classified as a Beta+ global city. The Atlanta metropolitan area has an estimated population of over 6.4 million and is the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of just over 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, Atlanta features a unique topography that includes rolling hills, lush greenery, and the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Green Cove Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Green Cove Springs, GA tap water safe to drink?
Green Cove Springs's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Green Cove Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Green Cove Springs'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 Green Cove Springs?
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 Green Cove Springs's water come from?
Green Cove Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 residents.
What health violations has Green Cove Springs's water system had?
Green Cove Springs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Green Cove Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Green Cove Springs 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 12 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 Green Cove Springs's water compare to other cities?
Green Cove Springs ranks #32 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 92% of state cities) and #2515 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Green Cove Springs's small water system affect quality?
Green Cove Springs's system serves approximately 1,310 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 12 violations on record.