Is Lake City, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Lake City, GA — Water Quality Report
Lake City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 588 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 75 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake City's water
Lake City ranks #98 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake City 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, Lake City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake City, GA water safe to drink?
Lake City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 588 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake City's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fulton County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include South River, Doolittle Creek, Shoal Creek, Chatt R, Rottenwood.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 588 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South River (river), Doolittle Creek (river), Shoal Creek (river), Chatt R (river), Rottenwood (river).
What Lake City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake City'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.
Lake City'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 Lake City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WILLIAM C. MEREDITH CO. INC. EAST POINT, GA30344 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 8.2 mi |
ARCH WOOD PROTECTION INC CONLEY, GA30288 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. ELLENWOOD, GA30294 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
CLOROX PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO FOREST PARK, GA30297 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
POLYNT COMPOSITES USA INC. FOREST PARK, GA30297 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbia 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
Fulton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake City ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake City's water comes from
Lake City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 588 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake City
Lake City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHADY OAKS SUBDIVISION | FL2121023 | 265 | GW |
| AZALEA PARK SUBDIVISION | FL2120047 | 220 | GW |
| 242 VILLAGE SUBDIVISION | FL2124295 | 103 | GW |
How Lake City compares
Full Georgia rankings →Lake City's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Lake City, GA
Wikipedia →Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the county seat of Fulton County and extends into neighboring DeKalb County. With a population of 498,715 at the 2020 census and an estimated 520,070 in 2024, Atlanta is the eighth-most populous city in the Southeast and the 36th-most populous city in the United States. Atlanta is classified as a Beta+ global city. The Atlanta metropolitan area has an estimated population of over 6.4 million and is the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of just over 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, Atlanta features a unique topography that includes rolling hills, lush greenery, and the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake City, GA tap water safe to drink?
Lake City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Lake City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Lake City'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 Lake City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 588 residents.
What health violations has Lake City's water system had?
Lake City has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake City 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 75 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 Lake City's water compare to other cities?
Lake City ranks #98 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 74% of state cities) and #5320 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.