WaterVerge

Is Meigs, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: GA2750002
Overall Score
86 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#86 of 378 in Georgia Top 32% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86/100
waterverge.com
A- 86/100

Meigs, GA — Water Quality Report

Meigs's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,096 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 42 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Meigs's water

Meigs ranks #86 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Meigs 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, Meigs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Meigs, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Meigs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,096 residents using groundwater (wells).

7
Active Violations
2.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Meigs

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Meigs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

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

Disaster
HURRICANE IDALIA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Meigs's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2022 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Jan 2022 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Sep 2021 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Sep 2021 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Thomas County has experienced 8 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.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4738
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4400

Where does Meigs's water come from?

Meigs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,096 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Meigs residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Monitor alerts during storms

Meigs'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
2.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 18% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

42
Total violations
2
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Jul 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

42 Total
7 Active
2 Health-based
35 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
22
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Total Coliform Rule
5
Nitrate Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2022 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2022 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Sep 2021 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2022
Sep 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Showing 20 of 42 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Thomas 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
20.8%
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

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Thomas County has experienced 8 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 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4738
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4400
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.7 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 decreased by 5.4 ppb from 2006 (8.1 ppb) to 2025 (2.7 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,096
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Meigs's water comes from

Groundwater

Meigs'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 1,096 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Meigs

System Name PWSID Population Source
MEIGS GA2750002 1,096 GW
Regional Comparison

How Meigs compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Meigs's score of 86/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Meigs (this city)
86
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Meigs, GA

Economic Profile
$26,667
Median Income
$89,923
Median Home Value
$466/mo
Median Rent
17.1%
Unemployment
Community
33.5
Median Age
232
People / sq mi
4.5%
College Educated
60.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Meigs, GA tap water safe to drink?

Meigs's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #86 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Meigs's water?

Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.

How is Meigs'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 Meigs?

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

Where does Meigs's water come from?

Meigs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,096 residents.

What health violations has Meigs's water system had?

Meigs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Meigs's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Meigs 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 42 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 Meigs's water compare to other cities?

Meigs ranks #86 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 77% of state cities) and #5003 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 Meigs's small water system affect quality?

Meigs's system serves approximately 1,096 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 42 violations on record.