Is Jekyll Island, 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 ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Jekyll Island, GA — Water Quality Report
Jekyll Island's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,135 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.8 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jekyll Island's water
Jekyll Island ranks #29 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Jekyll Island 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, Jekyll Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jekyll Island, GA water safe to drink?
Jekyll Island's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,135 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jekyll Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jekyll Island's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jekyll Island'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
Jekyll Island's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Jekyll Island's water come from?
Jekyll Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,135 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Jekyll Island 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.
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 Jekyll Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jekyll Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 162,264 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRUNSWICK CELLULOSE LLC BRUNSWICK, GA31520 | Manganese compounds | 162,264 | 9.5 mi |
PINOVA,INC. BRUNSWICK, GA31520 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
ALLIED UNIVERSAL CORP BRUNSWICK, GA31523 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
SYMRISE COLONELS ISLAND FACILITY BRUNSWICK, GA31523 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Jekyll Island
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.
- TERRY CREEK DREDGE SPOIL AREAS HERCULES OUTFALL7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGlynn County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 42.7% 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 Jekyll Island'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. | 7.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jekyll Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Jekyll Island ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jekyll Island's water comes from
Jekyll Island'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 2,135 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Jekyll Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEKYLL ISLAND AUTHORITY | GA1270028 | 2,083 | GW |
| HELVESTON OAKS SUBDIVISION | GA1270054 | 52 | GW |
How Jekyll Island compares
Full Georgia rankings →Jekyll Island's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Jekyll Island, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jekyll Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Glynn
Frequently asked questions
Is Jekyll Island, GA tap water safe to drink?
Jekyll Island's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Jekyll Island's water?
Lead was measured at 7.8 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Jekyll Island'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 Jekyll Island?
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 Jekyll Island's water come from?
Jekyll Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,135 residents.
What health violations has Jekyll Island's water system had?
Jekyll Island has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jekyll Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jekyll Island 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 10 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 Jekyll Island's water compare to other cities?
Jekyll Island ranks #29 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 92% of state cities) and #2358 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.