WaterVerge

Is Homerville, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: GA0650000
Overall Score
80.4 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#172 of 378 in Georgia Top 50% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.4/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.4/100

Homerville, GA — Water Quality Report

Homerville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,210 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 20 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Homerville's water

Homerville ranks #172 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.4 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.3 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 Homerville, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Homerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,210 residents using groundwater (wells).

10
Active Violations
0.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Homerville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Homerville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).

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.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDALIA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Homerville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1400.00 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Homerville's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2022 Public Notice Open
Jul 2022 Public Notice Open
Oct 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clinch County has experienced 8 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.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4738
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406

Where does Homerville's water come from?

Homerville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,210 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Homerville residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Homerville'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
0.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 2% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1400.00 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

20
Total violations
4
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Jul 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

20 Total
10 Active
4 Health-based
10 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Revised Total Coliform Rule
3
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2002 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2021
Feb 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2021
Sep 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2017
Oct 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2011
Mar 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1995
Dec 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Feb 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1995
Sep 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1993
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1992
May 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1991
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Homerville

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BWAY CORP
Fabricated Metals · BWAY HOLDING CO
HOMERVILLE, GA31634
1.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Clinch County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
19.6%
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

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Clinch County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Sep 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4738
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #3379

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Homerville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1400.00 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.3 ppb from 2003 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.3 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.000 mg/L from 1992 (1400.000 mg/L) to 1999 (1400.000 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,210
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Homerville's water comes from

Groundwater

Homerville'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 3,210 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Homerville

System Name PWSID Population Source
HOMERVILLE GA0650000 3,210 GW
Regional Comparison

How Homerville compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Homerville's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Homerville (this city)
80.4
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Homerville, GA

Wikipedia →

Homerville is a city and the county seat of Clinch County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Homerville had a population of 2,344. It was incorporated February 15, 1869.

Economic Profile
$29,815
Median Income
$65,079
Median Home Value
$564/mo
Median Rent
2%
Unemployment
Community
37.4
Median Age
227
People / sq mi
15%
College Educated
53.5%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Homerville, GA tap water safe to drink?

Homerville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #172 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Homerville's water?

Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.

How is Homerville'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 Homerville?

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

Where does Homerville's water come from?

Homerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,210 residents.

What health violations has Homerville's water system had?

Homerville has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.

Is Homerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Homerville 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 Homerville's water compare to other cities?

Homerville ranks #172 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 54% of state cities) and #7882 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Homerville's small water system affect quality?

Homerville's system serves approximately 3,210 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.