Is Lakeland, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.2/100
waterverge.com Lakeland, GA — Water Quality Report
Lakeland's drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,050 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 16 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lakeland's water
Lakeland ranks #189 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lakeland 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, Lakeland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lakeland, GA water safe to drink?
Lakeland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,050 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lakeland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lakeland's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lakeland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lakeland's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lanier County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Lakeland's water come from?
Lakeland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,050 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lakeland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lakeland'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.
Lakeland'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 Lakeland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lakeland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. DOD USAF MOODY AFB SMALL ARMS & GRAND BAY RANGES MOODY AFB, GA31699 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLanier 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lanier County has experienced 7 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lakeland compares by contaminant
Explore where Lakeland ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lakeland's water comes from
Lakeland'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 3,050 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Lakeland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKELAND | GA1730000 | 2,796 | GW |
| BOYETTE FARMS | GA1730019 | 254 | GW |
How Lakeland compares
Full Georgia rankings →Lakeland's score of 79.2/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Lakeland, GA
Wikipedia →Lakeland is a city and the county seat of Lanier County, Georgia, United States. The city is the county seat of Lanier County. It is part of the Valdosta metropolitan area. The population was 2,875 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lakeland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lanier
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakeland, GA tap water safe to drink?
Lakeland's water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #189 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Lakeland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Lakeland'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 Lakeland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lakeland's water come from?
Lakeland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,050 residents.
What health violations has Lakeland's water system had?
Lakeland has 4 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lakeland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lakeland 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 16 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 Lakeland's water compare to other cities?
Lakeland ranks #189 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 50% of state cities) and #8343 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.