WaterVerge

Is Nahunta, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 8 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: GA0250002
Overall Score
89.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#36 of 378 in Georgia Top 18% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.5/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.5/100

Nahunta, GA — Water Quality Report

Nahunta's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,315 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 73 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Nahunta's water

Nahunta ranks #36 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.5 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 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 Nahunta, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Nahunta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,315 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Nahunta

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nahunta's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).

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
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Nahunta's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2008 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2006 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2005 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Brantley County has experienced 10 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 Satilla River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4738
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3422

Where does Nahunta's water come from?

Nahunta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,315 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Satilla River (river).

What Nahunta residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Nahunta'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
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

73
Total violations
0
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

73 Total
8 Active
0 Health-based
65 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
30
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1998 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2001 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
2,4,5-TP
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Showing 20 of 73 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Nahunta

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nahunta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MISSION MINE
Metal Mining · THE CHEMOURS CO
NAHUNTA, GA31553
9.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Brantley 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)
12.5%
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

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Brantley County has experienced 10 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
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3422
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) 1.0 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 increased by 0.2 ppb from 2005 (0.8 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,315
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Nahunta's water comes from

Groundwater

Nahunta'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 1,315 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Nahunta

Nahunta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Satilla River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Nahunta

System Name PWSID Population Source
NAHUNTA GA0250002 1,315 GW
Regional Comparison

How Nahunta compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Nahunta's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Nahunta (this city)
89.5
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Nahunta, GA

Wikipedia →

Nahunta is a city in and the county seat of Brantley County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Brunswick metropolitan area. The population was 1,013 at the 2020 census. The city is an important crossroad which is intersected by U.S. Route 82 and U.S. Route 301 in its downtown area.

Economic Profile
$48,542
Median Income
$706/mo
Median Rent
3.4%
Unemployment
Community
33.9
Median Age
190
People / sq mi
10.9%
College Educated
37.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Nahunta, GA tap water safe to drink?

Nahunta's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Nahunta's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.

How is Nahunta'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 Nahunta?

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

Where does Nahunta's water come from?

Nahunta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,315 residents.

Is Nahunta's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Nahunta 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 73 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 Nahunta's water compare to other cities?

Nahunta ranks #36 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 90% of state cities) and #2802 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Nahunta's small water system affect quality?

Nahunta's system serves approximately 1,315 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 73 violations on record.