WaterVerge

Is Ludowici, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 164 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 24 water systems PWSID: GA1830000
Overall Score
45 / 100
Violations
164 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#345 of 378 in Georgia Top 91% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
45/100
waterverge.com
D 45/100

Ludowici, GA — Water Quality Report

Ludowici's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 24 water systems serve approximately 4,185 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 544 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 164 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Ludowici's water

Ludowici ranks #345 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Ludowici 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.

The system has seen 62 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
45 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Ludowici, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Ludowici's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 24 water systems serve approximately 4,185 residents using groundwater (wells).

164
Active Violations
3.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Ludowici

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ludowici's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
5 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
7 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE DORIAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3422). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ludowici's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Ludowici's water system has 544 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 164 remain unresolved. 62 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMROtherRPTTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Long County has experienced 9 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 Altamaha River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3422
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406

Where does Ludowici's water come from?

Ludowici's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 24 water systems serving approximately 4,185 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Altamaha River (river).

What Ludowici residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ludowici's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Ludowici'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
3.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 22% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

544
Total violations
26
Health-based
164
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

544 Total
164 Active
26 Health-based
380 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
147
Consumer Confidence Rule
103
Total Coliform Rule
96
Inorganic Chemicals
56
Lead and Copper Rule
36
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 544 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ludowici

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ludowici, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 130,268 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
RAYONIER PERFORMANCE FIBERS JESUP MILL
Paper · RAYONIER ADVANCED MATERIALS INC
JESUP, GA31545
Manganese And Manganese Compounds130,2687.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Liberty County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 88.3% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
21.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Long County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3422
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #4284

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.5 ppb from 2002 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
4,185
Water Systems
24
Water Source

Where Ludowici's water comes from

Groundwater

Ludowici'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 4,185 people through 24 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Ludowici

Ludowici is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Altamaha River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Ludowici

System Name PWSID Population Source
LUDOWICI WATER SYSTEM GA1830000 1,651 GW
HORSE CREEK FARMS GA1830062 500 GW
OAKDALE MOBILE HOME PARK GA1830007 268 GW
LANIER ROAD WATER SYSTEM GA1830076 262 GW
MORGAN TRACT SUBDIVISION GA1830068 222 GW
BROOKHAVEN SUBDIVISION GA1830067 156 GW
WAY STATION WATER SYSTEM GA1830064 133 GW
SASSAFRAS VILLAGES GA1830071 120 GW
PINE CREST MOBILE HOME PARK GA1830032 95 GW
WESTGATE MOBILE HOME PARK GA1790096 72 GW
J & M RENTALS GA1830021 70 GW
RYE PATCH COMMUNITY WELL GA1830035 70 GW
VICTORY MANOR MOBILE HOME PARK GA1790029 64 GW
HUCKABERRY SUBDIVISION GA1830044 64 GW
MIDDLETON MOBILE VILLAGE GA1830010 62 GW
MAGNOLIA PARK GA1830034 62 GW
THE CROSSING GA1830051 60 GW
COUNTRY MEADOWS MOBILE HOME PARK GA1830025 58 GW
CEDAR BROOK MOBILE HOME PARK GA1830001 50 GW
DEERFIELD MOBILE HOME PARK GA1790093 49 GW
BAKERFIELD SUBDIVISION GA1830069 25 GW
FOUR AND A HALF SUBDIVISION GA1830072 25 GW
PLEASANT OAKS SUBDIVISION GA1830074 25 GW
LONG COUNTY RV COMMUNITY GA1830075 22 GW
Regional Comparison

How Ludowici compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Ludowici's score of 45/100 is below the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Ludowici (this city)
45
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Ludowici, GA

Wikipedia →

Ludowici is a city in Long County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ludowici had a population of 1,590. The city is the county seat of Long County. It is a part of the Hinesville-Fort Stewart metropolitan area.

Economic Profile
$26,944
Median Income
$180,654
Median Home Value
6.5%
Unemployment
Community
33.8
Median Age
287
People / sq mi
11.8%
College Educated
44.2%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Ludowici, GA tap water safe to drink?

Ludowici's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #345 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Ludowici's water?

Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 544 violations are on record.

How is Ludowici'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 Ludowici?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Ludowici's water come from?

Ludowici's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 24 water systems serving approximately 4,185 residents.

What health violations has Ludowici's water system had?

Ludowici has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 164 violations remain unresolved.

Is Ludowici's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Ludowici 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 544 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 Ludowici's water compare to other cities?

Ludowici ranks #345 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 9% of state cities) and #14247 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.