Is Hoschton, 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 ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Hoschton, GA — Water Quality Report
Hoschton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 6,620 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 25 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hoschton's water
Hoschton ranks #131 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hoschton, GA water safe to drink?
Hoschton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 6,620 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hoschton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hoschton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hoschton'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
Hoschton's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hoschton's water come from?
Hoschton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 6,620 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Hoschton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hoschton'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hoschton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hoschton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 119,608 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - PENDERGRASS FRESH PLANT PENDERGRASS, GA30567 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 119,556 | 8.2 mi |
STEPAN CO WINDER, GA30680 | Ammonia | 50 | 6.3 mi |
TOYOTA INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR PARTS AMERICA CO PENDERGRASS, GA30567 | Copper | 2 | 9.7 mi |
ARGOS FRIENDSHIP CONCRETE PLANT BUFORD, GA30518 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
MORGAN CONCRETE CO - JEFFERSON PLANT JEFFERSON, GA30549 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtJackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 1.1% 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hoschton'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. | 1.8 | 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. | 3.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.300 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hoschton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hoschton ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hoschton's water comes from
Hoschton'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 6,620 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hoschton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOSCHTON WATER SYSTEM | GA1570002 | 6,620 | SWP |
How Hoschton compares
Full Georgia rankings →Hoschton's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Hoschton, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hoschton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoschton, GA tap water safe to drink?
Hoschton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #131 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Hoschton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Hoschton'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 Hoschton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hoschton's water come from?
Hoschton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 6,620 residents.
What health violations has Hoschton's water system had?
Hoschton has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hoschton's water compare to other cities?
Hoschton ranks #131 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 65% of state cities) and #6540 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.