Is Kingston, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.4/100
waterverge.com Kingston, GA — Water Quality Report
Kingston's drinking water received a grade of B (77.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,263 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 52 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kingston's water
Kingston ranks #205 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kingston 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, Kingston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kingston, GA water safe to drink?
Kingston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,263 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kingston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kingston's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kingston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kingston's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bartow County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Etowah River, Two Run Creek.
Where does Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,263 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Etowah River (river), Two Run Creek (river).
What Kingston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kingston'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Kingston'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kingston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kingston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 66,140 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOWEN STEAM ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT CARTERSVILLE, GA30120 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 66,136 | 6.6 mi |
INNOVATIVE CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC CARTERSVILLE, GA30120 | Zinc compounds | 2 | 8.9 mi |
AMPACET CORP CARTERSVILLE, GA30120 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 2 | 8.5 mi |
WR MEADOWS OF GEORGIA CARTERSVILLE, GA30001 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
VMC SPECIALTY ALLOYS LLC ADAIRSVILLE, GA30103 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBartow 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
Bartow County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kingston compares by contaminant
Explore where Kingston ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kingston's water comes from
Kingston'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 1,263 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kingston
Kingston is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kingston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KINGSTON | GA0150003 | 1,263 | GW |
How Kingston compares
Full Georgia rankings →Kingston's score of 77.4/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Kingston, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kingston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bartow
Frequently asked questions
Is Kingston, GA tap water safe to drink?
Kingston's water quality earned a grade of B (77.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #205 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Kingston's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Kingston'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 Kingston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,263 residents.
What health violations has Kingston's water system had?
Kingston has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kingston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kingston 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 52 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 Kingston's water compare to other cities?
Kingston ranks #205 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 46% of state cities) and #9010 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kingston's small water system affect quality?
Kingston's system serves approximately 1,263 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 52 violations on record.