Is Macon, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.3/100
waterverge.com Macon, GA — Water Quality Report
Macon's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 130,105 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 51 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Macon's water
Macon ranks #285 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.16 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Macon, GA water safe to drink?
Macon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 130,105 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Macon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Macon's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Macon's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Macon's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bibb 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 Ocmulgee River, Tobesofkee Creek, Echeconnee Creek.
Where does Macon's water come from?
Macon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 130,105 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ocmulgee River (river), Tobesofkee Creek (river), Echeconnee Creek (river).
What Macon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Macon'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.
Macon'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBibb 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
Bibb 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Macon's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Macon compares by contaminant
Explore where Macon ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Macon's water comes from
Macon's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 130,105 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Macon
Macon is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Macon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACON WATER AUTHORITY | GA0210001 | 130,024 | SW |
| EAST OCMULGEE ACRES S/D | GA2890008 | 81 | GW |
How Macon compares
Full Georgia rankings →Macon's score of 65.3/100 is on par with the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Macon, GA
Wikipedia →Macon, officially Macon–Bibb County, is a consolidated city-county in Georgia, United States. Situated near the fall line of the Ocmulgee River in Central Georgia, it is 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Atlanta and 165 miles (266 km) northwest of Savannah. Macon's population was 157,346 in the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Macon metropolitan area, which had 234,802 people in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Macon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bibb
Frequently asked questions
Is Macon, GA tap water safe to drink?
Macon's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #285 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Macon's water?
Lead was measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is Macon'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 Macon?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Macon's water come from?
Macon's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 130,105 residents.
What health violations has Macon's water system had?
Macon has 3 health-based violations 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Macon's water compare to other cities?
Macon ranks #285 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 25% of state cities) and #11523 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.