Is Mount Zion, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Mount Zion, GA — Water Quality Report
Mount Zion's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,691 residents using purchased 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Zion's water
Mount Zion ranks #52 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average 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 Zion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Zion, GA water safe to drink?
Mount Zion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,691 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Zion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Zion's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mount Zion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mount Zion's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll 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 Tallapoosa River, Little Tallapoosa River, Little Tallapoosa R, Indian Creek Upstream Of Teague Rd, Nr Bowdon.
Where does Mount Zion's water come from?
Mount Zion's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,691 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tallapoosa River (river), Little Tallapoosa River (river), Little Tallapoosa R (river), Indian Creek Upstream Of Teague Rd, Nr Bowdon (river).
What Mount Zion residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Zion'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.
Mount Zion'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 Mount Zion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Zion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 570 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHWIRE CO CARROLLTON, GA30119 | Zinc compounds | 507 | 8.1 mi |
SOUTHWIRE CO NORTH CAMPUS CARROLLTON, GA30117 | Zinc compounds | 63 | 5.1 mi |
CERRO WIRE LLC CARROLLTON, GA30116 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
DECOSTAR INDUSTRIES INC CARROLLTON, GA30117 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
QUAKER HOUGHTON PA ,INC CARROLLTON, GA30117 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCarroll 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
Carroll 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Zion compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Zion ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Zion's water comes from
Mount Zion'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 1,691 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mount Zion
Mount Zion is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mount Zion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT ZION | GA0450003 | 1,691 | SWP |
How Mount Zion compares
Full Georgia rankings →Mount Zion's score of 88/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Mount Zion, GA
Wikipedia →Mount Zion is a city in Carroll County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Mount Zion had a population of 1,766.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Zion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Zion, GA tap water safe to drink?
Mount Zion's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Mount Zion's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Mount Zion'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 Zion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Zion's water come from?
Mount Zion's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,691 residents.
How does Mount Zion's water compare to other cities?
Mount Zion ranks #52 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 86% of state cities) and #3717 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mount Zion's small water system affect quality?
Mount Zion's system serves approximately 1,691 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 11 violations on record.