Is Lumber City, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Lumber City, GA — Water Quality Report
Lumber City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 977 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lumber City's water
Lumber City ranks #91 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lumber 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, Lumber City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lumber City, GA water safe to drink?
Lumber City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 977 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lumber City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lumber City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lumber City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lumber City's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Telfair 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. Local water sources include Ocmulgee River, Little Ocmulgee River.
Where does Lumber City's water come from?
Lumber City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 977 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ocmulgee River (river), Little Ocmulgee River (river).
What Lumber City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lumber 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.
Lumber 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 Lumber City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lumber City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 733 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BEASLEY FOREST PRODUCTS INC. HAZLEHURST, GA31539 | Methanol | 733 | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtTelfair County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 98.0% 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
Telfair 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lumber City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lumber City ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lumber City's water comes from
Lumber 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 977 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lumber City
Lumber City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lumber City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUMBER CITY | GA2710002 | 977 | GW |
How Lumber City compares
Full Georgia rankings →Lumber City's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Lumber City, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lumber City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Telfair
Frequently asked questions
Is Lumber City, GA tap water safe to drink?
Lumber City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #91 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Lumber City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Lumber 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 Lumber City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lumber City's water come from?
Lumber City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 977 residents.
What health violations has Lumber City's water system had?
Lumber City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lumber City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lumber 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 18 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 Lumber City's water compare to other cities?
Lumber City ranks #91 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 76% of state cities) and #5117 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lumber City's small water system affect quality?
Lumber City's system serves approximately 977 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 18 violations on record.