WaterVerge

Is Grovetown, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B- — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

19K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: GA0730001
Overall Score
74.7 / 100
Violations
29 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#234 of 378 in Georgia Top 62% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
74.7/100
waterverge.com
B- 74.7/100

Grovetown, GA — Water Quality Report

Grovetown's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 18,670 residents using purchased surface water.

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 185 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Grovetown's water

Grovetown ranks #234 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below 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.

The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
74.7 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
27.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
15/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Grovetown, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grovetown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 18,670 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

29
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grovetown

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grovetown's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

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 Grovetown's water supply.

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Grovetown's water system has 185 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2025 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2021 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Columbia County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Kiokee Creek, Uchee Creek, Savannah River, Savannah Rvr, Reed Creek.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338

Where does Grovetown's water come from?

Grovetown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 18,670 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kiokee Creek (river), Uchee Creek (river), Savannah River (river), Savannah Rvr (lake), Reed Creek (river).

What Grovetown residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Grovetown'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
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
25.4 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 42% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 3.6 µg/LHAA9: 28.9 µg/L
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
58.9 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +18% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

185
Total violations
6
Health-based
29
Active / unresolved
Apr 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

185 Total
29 Active
6 Health-based
156 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
66
Volatile Organic Chemicals
63
Total Coliform Rule
18
Consumer Confidence Rule
15
Lead and Copper Rule
10
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2020 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 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
Oct 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2002 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 185 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grovetown

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
U.S. BATTERY MANUFACTURING CO
Electrical Equipment · PALOS VERDES BUILDING CORP
EVANS, GA30809
8.1 mi
JOHN DEERE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
Machinery · DEERE & CO
GROVETOWN, GA30813
1.5 mi
CLUB CAR LLC
Transportation Equipment · NA
EVANS, GA30809
7.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grovetown

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Columbia 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)
19.0%
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

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Columbia County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
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

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 2.5 ppb from 2003 (2.5 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
18,670
Water Systems
3
Source breakdown
Groundwater
2
Purchased Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Grovetown's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Grovetown'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 18,670 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grovetown

Grovetown is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Kiokee Creek
river
Uchee Creek
river
Savannah River
river
Savannah Rvr
lake
Reed Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grovetown

System Name PWSID Population Source
GROVETOWN GA0730001 18,464 SWP
WINDY ACRES MOBILE HOME PARK GA0730017 162 GW
GREEN ACRES MOBILE HOME PARK GA2510013 44 GW
Regional Comparison

How Grovetown compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Grovetown's score of 74.7/100 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.

Grovetown (this city)
74.7
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Grovetown, GA

Wikipedia →

Grovetown is a city in Columbia County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Augusta metropolitan area as well as the Central Savannah River Area. As of the 2020 census, Grovetown had a population of 15,577. The mayor is Gary Jones.

Economic Profile
$67,222
Median Income
$205,254
Median Home Value
$1,301/mo
Median Rent
0.9%
Unemployment
Community
33
Median Age
1,175
People / sq mi
25.3%
College Educated
59.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grovetown, GA tap water safe to drink?

Grovetown's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #234 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Grovetown's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 185 violations are on record.

How is Grovetown'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 Grovetown?

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

Where does Grovetown's water come from?

Grovetown's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 18,670 residents.

What health violations has Grovetown's water system had?

Grovetown has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.

How does Grovetown's water compare to other cities?

Grovetown ranks #234 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 38% of state cities) and #9764 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.