WaterVerge

Is Mount Berry, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: GA1150003
Overall Score
85.1 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#104 of 378 in Georgia Top 35% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.1/100

Mount Berry, GA — Water Quality Report

Mount Berry's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Mount Berry's water

Mount Berry ranks #104 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

As a small community water system, Mount Berry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Mount Berry, GA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Mount Berry's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mount Berry

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Berry's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE IRMA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE IRMA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Mount Berry's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2005 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
May 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Floyd County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Heath Creek, Armuchee Creek, Oostanaula River, Etowah River, Coosa River Mayos Bar.

HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3387
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3218

Where does Mount Berry's water come from?

Mount Berry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Heath Creek (river), Armuchee Creek (river), Oostanaula River (river), Etowah River (river), Coosa River Mayos Bar (river).

What Mount Berry residents can do

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

Mount Berry'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
1 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2001
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Floyd 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.

12
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
12
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2017
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Floyd County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 2.5 ppb from 2006 (2.5 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Mount Berry compares by contaminant

Explore where Mount Berry ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Private
Population Served
2,200
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mount Berry's water comes from

Surface Water

Mount Berry'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,200 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mount Berry

Mount Berry is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Heath Creek
river
Armuchee Creek
river
Oostanaula River
river
Etowah River
river
Coosa River Mayos Bar
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mount Berry

System Name PWSID Population Source
BERRY COLLEGE GA1150003 2,200 SW
Regional Comparison

How Mount Berry compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Mount Berry's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Mount Berry (this city)
85.1
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mount Berry, GA tap water safe to drink?

Mount Berry's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Mount Berry's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is Mount Berry'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 Mount Berry?

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

Where does Mount Berry's water come from?

Mount Berry's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.

How does Mount Berry's water compare to other cities?

Mount Berry ranks #104 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 72% of state cities) and #5502 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mount Berry's small water system affect quality?

Mount Berry's system serves approximately 2,200 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 3 violations on record.